
aass_Jl^k30_ 




1 



N, 



V © 



THE 

HISTORY OF RETFORD, 

IN THE 
COMPRISING 

ITS ANCIENT, PROGRESSIVE, AND MODERN 

STATE, 

WITH 

AN HISTORICAL AND TOPOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT 

OF THE 

VILLAGES 

OF WEST RETFORD, BABWORTH, ORDSALL, 
GROVE, AND CLARBOROUGH, 



± 



BY JOHN S. PJERCY. 



u Time rolls his ceaseless course. The race of yore 

Who danced our infancy upon their knee, 
And told our marvelling- boyhood legend's store, 

Of their strange 'ventures happ'd by land or sea, 
How are they blotted from the things that be ! 

How few, all weak and wither'd in their force, 
Wait on the verge of dark eternity, 

Like stranded wrecks, the tide returning hoarse, 
To sweep them from our sight ! Time rolls his ceaseless course.'" 

Sir Walter Scott. 



RETFORD : 

Printed for the Author, by F. Hodson ; 

And sold by Long'man, Rees, & Co. Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy, and Sherwood, 
Neeley, and Jones, Paternoster Row, London ; Stretton, Sutton, Dunn, and 
Kirke, Nottingham ; Whitlam, and Sissons, Worksop ; T. Brooke & Co. 
and C. and J. White, Doncaster; Stark, and Amcoats, Gainsbro , ; Drury, 
Lincoln; J. & S. Ridge, Newark; Wilson & Sons, and Bellerby, York} 
Sraithson, Malton ; Cole, Scarbro'; and by all other Booksellers. 



18 2 8. 



~? 




TO THE MOST NOBLE 

f^mrg, Wukz of Jfcetocagtle, IL^S* 

CUSTOS ROTULORUM, AND LORD LIEUTENANT, 

OF THE 

Counts of Jiotttngfiam, 

THE FOLLOWING 

HISTORY OF RETFORD, 

AND THE 

VILLAGES IN ITS VICINAGE, 
is 

(WITH PERMISSION) 

MOST HUMBLY AND RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, 
BY HIS GRACE'S 

OBEDIENT, HUMBLE SERVANT, 

JOHN S. PIERCY. 



PREFACE. 



In presuming to lay before the public an His- 
torical Account of the Borough of East Retford, 
and of the villages in its immediate vicinity, 
I deem it necessary to state the motives which 
induced me to commence the undertaking. 

Time, that great despoiler of every thing ter- 
restrial, had long since laid his withering hand 
on many ancient documents of interest and mo- 
ment, and in a few more years would have buried 
them in oblivion. Feeling the absolute necessity 
of something being done, as well from personal 
observations as from the representation of others, 
I was induced to make this attempt, but with 
what success 

" This let the world, which knows not how to spare, 
Yet rarely blames unjustly, now declare." 

It is to myself matter of as great regret, as it can 
possibly be to any of my readers, that the task 
has not fallen to some one 

11 Older in practice, abler than myself." 

From the many and varied duties which I am 
called upon to perform, it must be expected that 



vi 3$vti&tt. 

such attention has not been paid to various sub- 
jects, which, under other circumstances, might 
have been ; and that many deficiencies will be 
found to exist in a work requiring the exercise 
of talents far superior to any which I can boast 
of possessing. 

In forming a judgment on my labours, the 
public will do me justice to bear in mind, that 
my task has been to traverse a wilderness, through 
which a path had ne'er been beaten, — nay where 
human foot had never trod, — with but little light 
to dissipate the gloom. There is another circum- 
stance, likewise, which gives me a strong claim on 
their lenient consideration, which is, the paucity 
of materials for an undertaking of this nature ; 
most of those places which come under the ob- 
servations of historians have known from time 
immemorial an uninterrupted succession of 
lords, whose respective lives have formed a com- 
plete chain of continuity, or a sort of railway 
along which the writer had nothing to do but to 
drive ; this is, however, an advantage which East 
Retford cannot boast of having enjoyed. 

The obscurity of the situation of East Retford 
in " the days of other years" has likewise proved 
a great obstacle in the way of a straight forward 
narrative, and has, in a considerable degree, con- 
tributed to heighten the difficulties of connecting 



Prtfare* vii 

the various epochs, so as io enable me to give 
a succinct and detailed account. Previous to the 
17th century, the Corporation was in possession 
of numerous documents containing very valuable 
information, but unfortunately the major part 
were lost in the ruins of the Church, when it was 
destroyed, and many of those which were saved 
were so much damaged as to be almost unintelli- 
gible. But most of these having escaped the 
Scylla of a storm have fallen into that Charybdis, 
yclep'd, the Court of Chancery, their release 
from which at any particular time, it were a folly 
to account as certain. 

In recording the various events, T have endea- 
voured to adhere to the real and definitive features 
of the subject, without hunting after vague pro- 
babilities, or amusing myself by indulging in 
improbable speculative surmises. 

Flattering the neighbouring nobility and gen- 
try, and other principal inhabitants, and proprie- 
tors, a fault too often attendant upon local history, 
it has been my study to avoid, from a conviction 
that real worth and merit would feel pained at 
any lengthened or studied encomiums, whilst the 
good sense of my readers would be insulted were 
I to bestow praise and panygerics where they 
were not due. 

The various embellishments it is hoped will be 



via preface* 

found worthy the objects they are intended to 
represent, and are offered with confidence to the 
attention of the antiquary and the admirer of the 
fine arts. Those engraved by Jewitt fully sup- 
ports that character which he has so justly earned ; 
and those by Cave, of York, are excellent 
specimens of that gentleman's superior method of 
engraving. 

To several gentlemen I beg to tender my 
warmest acknowledgments for the kind assistance 
which in a variety of ways they have afforded 
me, particularly to the Rev. Archdeacon Eyre, 
A. H. Eyre, Esq. Thomas Denman, Esq. and 
John Mee, Esq. for whose numerous favours 
I cannot be sufficiently grateful. 

In conclusion I beg to throw myself on the 
indulgence of the public, and trust my claims for 
success will be tried by the inclination I have 
evinced to do justice to my arduous task, rather 
than by the ability with which it is executed, feel- 
ing convinced that however deficient I may have 
been in the latter quality, the former one will 
ensure me the meed of approbation. 

East Retford, Sept. 22d, 1828. 



HISTORY OF RETFORD, 



CHAP. I. 






HUNDRED OF BASSETLAW. 

Retford being the principal market town in the 
Hundred of Bassetlaw, a short account thereof will 
not be unacceptable at the commencement of this 
history. 

All historians agree that King Alfred caused Eng- 
land to be divided into shires or counties, and these 
again to be subdivided into hundreds or wapentakes ; 
a proceeding at that period rendered necessary to the 
due administration of justice, as well as to reduce tli6 
inhabitants, who were fierce and licentious, to th£ 
salutary restraint of law and wholesome government. 

The Hundreds in the county of Nottingham are now 

B 



%}i*tovu ot 2&eifcrtr, 



reduced to six*; these are Rushcliffe, Bingham, New- 
ark, Bassetlaw, Broxtow, and Thurgarton. These 
Hundreds are very unequal in size, (as much so as the 
various counties,) and are supposed to have heen so 
called because they contained a hundred towns each ; 
this supposition is evidently erroneous, for, as Thoro- 
ton justly observes, u Such we have none, but more 
likely of that number of free sureties, or frankpledges 
for the peacet, or else of able soldiers for the war, 
which number in some places, exceeded more, in others 
less, as we may well suppose ; and in process of time 
(if nothing else did,) made the inequality." 

The Hundred of Bassetlaw (called in Nomina Vil- 
larum, about the year 1315, Bersctelowc, afterwards 
we find it written Bernedsetlawe, Bernedeslawe, and 
Basse tlawe,) is somewhat of an oval shape, and ex- 
tends along the bank of the river Trent (in two in- 
stances it verges to the opposite side) from Heck 



* Formerly there appears to have been eight. In Dooms- 
day book, what is now termed the North Clay Division, was 
then called the Soke of Osvvardebec, that is a wapentake, or 
hundred ; and so late as the 16th century the Hundred of Hat- 
field merged into a Division of the Hundred of Bassetlaw. 

t In the 12th of Edward the second, (1318,) Rob. rt de Pere- 
pont, Richard de Willughby, and Richard de Whatton, were 
created assignen justices to enquire of the transgressions made 
by John de Lanum, one of the Kings BayliiTs cf the Wapentach 
of Bersetelowe. 



$?uirtrretr o£ 3Sa<#ctlafo, 



Dyke, a little below West Stockwith, to the parish of 
Fledborough ; it there joins the Hundred of Thurgar- 
ton, and proceeds nearly as far as Shirewood Inn, on 
the Forest, where it takes the boundary line of Brox- 
tow Hundred till it joins the county of Derby, near 
Nettleworth ; it is then limited by that county, and 
likewise Yorkshire, until it approaches to an apex be- 
low Finningley, where Lincolnshire again determines its 
extent to the entrance of the Heck Dyke into the 
Trent. This Hundred consists of three divisions, viz. 
Hatfield, and North and South Clay: the first em- 
braces all the land on the west side of the river Idle, 
which as Thoioton states has ever been famous * for 
woods and pleasant waters, insomuch that in it alone 
have been founded well nigh as many Monasteries as 
in the whole county besides/' The two remaining di- 
visions include the district between the Idle and the 
Trent, which, from the nature of the soil, is considered 
highly fertile both as arable and pasture land. 

The latitude of the Hundred of Bassetlaw extends 
from fifty-three degrees, nine minutes, to fifty-three 
degrees, thirty-two minutes north ; it is about twenty- 
seven miles long, and seventeen broad; its circumfe- 
rence is estimated at upwards of eighty miles, and its 
superficial content at 174000 acres. It contains sixty- 
six parishes, in which arc eighty-four villages, and four 
market towns, viz. Retford, Tuxford, Worksop, and 
Ollerton, and part of Bawtry ; and according to th<e 

b 2 



Sfetarp oi 2att£crtf. 



parliamentary census taken in 1821, it has a popula- 
tion of 36445 souls. 

This Hundred has been distinguished from time im- 
memorial for the number of seats of noblemen and 
gentlemen comprised within its limits, so much so afc 
to have received the appellation of the " Dukery." 
During the late discussions in Parliament, this term 
was not unfrequently introduced to prove that the re- 
turn of two members to serve in Parliament for the 
Hundred, would altogether rest with one or two of the 
said noblemen. The following list* however will prove- 
that whatever influence those distinguished individuals 
do possess, there is an interest — an independent inter- 
est, paramount to the whole of their' s combined, which, 
in the event of a contest, would prove the truth of this 
assertion. 

The DUKE of NEWCASTLE, Clumber Park 
The DUKE of NORFOLK, Worksop Manor 
The DUKE of PORTLAND, Welbeck Abbey 

Earl Manvers,. 7%0r<?s&y Park G. S. Foljambe, Esq. Osberton 

Lord Middleton,. WoUaton H. G_ Knight, Esq. Langold 

Earl Bathurst, Langwith E. E. Dennison, Esq. M. P. Ossington 

Lord Howard, Wellow A. H. Eyre, Esq. Grove 

Lord Gahvay, Serleby JTaU~ W. Mason, Esq. Morton 

Lord Althorpe, M. P. Wiseton Hall J. Angerstein, Esq. Ragnall 

Sir T. W. White, Bart. WalUngwells P. B. Thompson, Esq. Eskrick 

Hon. J. B. Simpson, Bab worth H. Walker, Esq. Blyth 

Hon. & Rev. J. L. Saville, Rvfford D. AValters, Esq. Barnivood, Gloucester 



* This list might be considerably enlarged, but want ©I 
»oom will not allow of farther particularization. 



Bmbatttm oi tijt Cohm'g ^ame* 5 



DERIVATION OF THE TOWNS NAME. 

Since the first mention of this borough in historical 
records its name has undergone several changes, yet 
none of them seem to clash with the generally received 
opinion as to its derivation. 

The most ancient document on which reliance can be 
placed, is Doomsday record, where it is written Rede- 
ford, but whether East or West we are not informed. 
Early in the 13th century it was commonly written 
Este Reddfurthe, which change from the one just 
quoted does not speak greatly for the advancement 
which learning had made during the intervening period. 
This pronounciation however appears to fix the date 
of the ancient seal belonging to the corporation, (of 
which a correct representation is elsewhere given,) 
the rude inscription which encircles it corresponding 
in every particular with the above. In the subsequent 
century it was written Est Redeforde, afterwards- 
East Rcdforde, up to the middle of the last century 
East Redford, and finally, as at present, East Ret- 
ford. Notwithstanding however, that such alterations 
were made at the different periods, according to the 
notions of the different writers, or agreeably with the 
taste of the times, it will be allowed that none of 
them tend to throw any obstacles in the way of defin- 
ing the cause from whence it originated. It therefore 
was called East, because seated on the east bank of 



Wstovv oi RttSovls. 



the river Idle, and Retford or Redford, from an 
ancient ford over that river, the waters of which flow- 
ing over a stratum of red clay became tinged with that 
colour, from the frequent passing and repassing of 
cattle, &c. and as this circumstance could not fail to at- 
tract attention, it was named Red-ford. The situation 
of this ford was about a hundred yards below the 
bridge which connects the two Retfords, where its 
present shallowness sufficiently identifies the spot, and 
several persons are now living wdio can recollect its 
being used in that manner. 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION, ETC. 

Previous to giving the account of East Retford 
in its ancient state, it may seem necessary to lay 
before the reader a concise but general description of 
it in the present day. 

Situation. — The borough of East Retford is situa- 
ted in the North Clay Division of the Hundred of Bas- 
sctlaw, in the north-eastern part of the county of 
Nottingham, in latitude fifty-three degrees nineteen 
minutes forty-six seconds north, and fifty-one minutes 
forty-nine seconds of west longitude, on the eastern 
bank of the river Idle. Its distance from London, by 
the Great North Road, is 144 miles, and by way of Hun- 
tingdon something less; from Nottingham 32 miles; 
from Lincoln, by way of Littleborough Ferry 23 miles ; 
and from Doncaster 18 miles. It is pleasantly situa- 



©rrccral JBe^trqjtton, &rc. 



ted on the line of the North Road, in a central part of 
the country, and is entered on every side by a beauti- 
ful and gradual descent ; so that let the tourist ap- 
proach it from what quarter soever he may, he will be 
particularly struck with the neatness which is every 
where visible around him. 

Extent. — The Borough is bounded on the east and 
north-east by the Hamlets of Moorgate and Spittal 
Hill ; on the west by West Retford ; on the south by 
the parish of Ordsall ; and on the south-east by the 
hamlet of Little Gringley. Its extent is extremely li- 
mited ; the whole site, comprising the cars and commons, 
the market-place, the streets, buildings, &c. being only 
about one hundred and twenty acres. 

Roads, Sfc. — Retford occupying a situation, on the 
Great North Road, and in the midst of a rich and fer- 
tile tract of agricultural country, possesses numerous 
advantages of which many other places are destitute. 
Whilst accommodation is afforded to travellers to the 
north and south, it is far from being deficient to the 
east and west. The road to Gainsbro', from the faci- 
lities which that place daily affords to the port of 
Hull, may be said to open the way to every part of the 
globe: not only the treasures of the Indies, but the 
riches of more southern climes here find a ready con- 
veyance. The road to Lincoln by way of Littlebo- 
rough Ferry, which until lately was almost impassable 
at any season of the year, is now, through the 



W**ov$ oi aaetforir. 



admirable system promulgated by Mr. M'Adam, equs 
to any other in the kingdom, so that the traveller cc. 
cross to Lincoln several miles nearer than forme rlj 
and the farmer can conveniently deliver the produce < 
his labour at all seasons. 

To the west likewise, the public are greatly indebt 
ed to the same gentleman for the superior manner i 
which he has completed the road from Retford t 
Worksop. The expenses attendant upon this undei 
taking were very great ; but the road — though thirt 
per cent, more expensive travelling than formerly, i 
seventy-five per cent, better, which those will acknow 
ledge who have once 'ploughed the road when journey- 
ing with any vehicle across that part of the country. 
Having mentioned the North Road in another place 
it will here be necessary only to notice, that previous 
to the Act of Parliament being obtained, this roac 
was equally bad with the rest: that part towards the 
White Houses, (southward) called "Farmers' Lane/ 
was narrow and dirty, and the causeways here and 
there were studded with large stones for the accom- 
modation of foot passengers; whilst towards the north j 
after passing West Retford field, the traveller was 
frequently in danger of being immersed in the bogs 
and quagmires, with which Barnby Common almost 
every where abounded. 

•Now however all these difficulties are obviated, bet- 
ter roads not being in any part of the kingdom; and 



(SJeiuraT S9tgrr£]>tt<m, &c 



from the high state of cultivation which the land has 
every where attained in the neighbourhood, the inha- 
bitants may be said to live in the midst of plenty, 
being completely surrounded by the beauties of spring 
— favoured with the smiles of an almost perennial 
summer — bountifully supplied from the lap of a gene- 
rous autumn, and completely secured from those blasts 
which are the bitter fruits of a northern winter. 

Soil. — Dr. Miller, in his History of Doncaster, ob- 
serves, that "our ancestors seem to have been fond of 
building their large market towns at the extremity of 
two different soils ; thus the town of Retford 17 miles 
south from Doncaster, has at one end of it, a stiff clay, 
and at the other, sand." This remark of theDr/s is 
certainly correct, but the reader is not to suppose that 
these are the only kinds of land adjacent to the town. 
To the north-east the soil is of a blackish nature, and 
a light gravel ; the former having been famous for the 
production of good hops, and the latter in the growth 
of wheat, and most other kinds of grain. Towards 
the south, the soil differs more than towards the north. 
In Ordsall parish, (until about the middle of the 
last century,) the land was completely barren, its 
spontaneous growth hardly any thing but rushes, and 
let for about three shillings per acre ; but from the 
improvements in drainage, &c. the barren wilderness 
became metamorphosed into a blooming landscape, and 
the face of nature assumed a cast, to which she had 

c 



10 W*tov% of MttfmU 



previously been a stranger. If we journey further 
southward, the land, for some distance, continues to 
increase in goodness and in value ; and the fine tracts 
of grazing land, as well as those appropriated to agri- 
cultural purposes, bear evident testimony of the supe- 
rior character of the soil. 

Trade. — The trade of Retford was formerly consi- 
derable in barley, for malting, but lately has suffered a 
considerable declension, having been superseded by 
Worksop. In 1788, a worsted mill was attempted 
here by the late Major Cartwright and others, but the 
plan failed, and many individuals were ruined in con- 
sequence. A mill for the manufacture of candlewick 
was also established, but after the demise of its res- 
pected proprietor, (Mr. Brumby,) it fell into complete 
decay. Here is at present a paper mill, and a sail- 
cloth manufactory, and the other trades are in hats 
and shoes. 

Climate. — The climate in the neighbourhood of Ret- 
ford is considered to be more equal in temperature 
than any of the surrounding counties ; and the quan- 
tity of rain which falls is somewhat below the medium 
of the kingdom. In 1825, the annual average amount- 
ed only to 28*31 inches, whilst at Kendal, in West- 
moreland, in the same period, it was 59*973 inches. In 
order to account for this deficiency, Mr. Lowe con- 
ceives, that although the greatest rains come with the 
easterly winds from the German Ocean, yet the sur- 



(General 33t£tt*ipti<m, &*♦ 11 

charged clouds being powerfully attracted by the moun- 
tains of Derbyshire, pass over this part too quickly to 
deposit much of their moisture ; whilst, on the other 
hand, the clouds from the Western Ocean and Irish 
channel are attracted and broken by the Yorkshire 
and Derbyshire mountains, before they arrive at this 
level district. 



c 2 



CHAP. II. 

|3rciaiovi) @Mn*taiura£— (ffrirarts from J3ocm£* 
tag 33ocfe— puSItr anS JJrtbaie (Grants, $*♦ 
€%vonclc$itxll£ arranged. 



PREFATORY OBSERVATIONS. 

The name of Retford not occurring in any known 
document previous to Doomsday survey, we are left 
completely in the dark respecting its foundation ; and 
were an opinion to be hazarded upon the subject, it 
would be considered useless, and its uncertainty tend to 
divest it of all authority. The time when the Romans 
reigned supreme in this country, notwithstanding the 
proximity of Retford to one of their public roads, as 
well as its comparatively short distance from Little- 
borough, one of their most favourite stations, (the 
undoubted " Agelocum'" or "Segelocum" mentioned in 
the Itenerary of Antoninus,*) Retford must have been 



* The age in which this celebrated topographist lived is un- 
known ; but his valuable work entitled " Itinerarium," will not 
fail to carry his name to the latest generation. During- the last 
century, Burton published an excellent commentary on it as far 
as relates to Britain, in folio. 



$retatorj> (©fcserbaiton^ 13 

of trifling importance, otherwise, it is reasonable to pre- 
sume it would not have escaped the observation of that 
brave and warlike people. It is not, however, to these 
two circumstances alone that we would confine our 
attention, but, as will be shown in the historical ac- 
count of Grove, that place was once occupied by 
her armies, and probably, from the eligibility of its 
situation, it was one of their favourite encampments, 
and became the central point of their military stations 
ill this part of the country. Assuming this hypothesis 
to be true, and of which there can be little doubt, can 
it For a moment be supposed that Retford would have 
escaped their notice, had it been worthy of it? Rea- 
son would at once negative the supposition ; — we may 
therefore conclude that its native insignificance, com- 
bined with its low and swampy situation, rendered it 
any thing but desirable. 

After the Romans had finally deserted the country, 
it was greatly annoyed by the internal divisions which 
sprung up between the Picts and Scots, till at length, 
after much bloodshed, it became a prey to the Saxons, 
who continued to hold it until they were completely 
routed by King Arthur, in 521, after whose death, the 
Britons were unable to maintain the power which they 
had acquired, and the Saxons again became " masters 
of the soil/' 

To this aera the historian is accustomed to look for 
those records which form the groundwork, as well as 



14 $?t£tor£ ufJ&etfsrtr* 

give the earliest evidences, of local history. Indeed, 
according to Thoroton, there is not the name of any 
field, hamlet, village, or town, which is not of Saxon 
etymology ; yet strange as it may appear, not a single 
ray of documentary light is on record respecting Ret- 
ford, either to assist in piercing the gloom of that pe- 
riod, or to chase away the errors which superstition or 
traditionary legends may, since that time, have assist- 
ed in promulgating. 

DOOMSDAY BOOK.* 

In Doomsday book, the name of Redforde and 
Redeford occurs in several places, but I am apprehen- 
sive that this place is only mentioned twice or three 



* This monument, the most invaluable piece of antiquity pos- 
sessed by any nation, is still preserved in the chapter-house at 
Westminster ; it consists of two pondrous volumes, and may be 
consulted for a fee of 6s. 8d. and \d. per line for transcripts. A 
facsimile of their contents was printed some years ago, by or- 
der of Parliament ; but excellent translations have been made 
by Bawd win, and others. It was undertaken and completed by 
order of William the Conqueror in six years, and contains an 
exact survey of the lands, goods, &c. of every person living in 
England ; (with the exception of Northumberland, Cumberland, 
Westmoreland, the bishopric of Durham, and part of Lanca- 
shire \) with what he used to pay in the times of the Saxons ; also 
what stock each had, and ready money,— what, he owed, and 
what was owing to him ; and in some counties the number of 
tenants, cottagers, and slaves, of all denominations, who lived 
ypon the estates are enumerated. 



<&ytv&ct& ivom S3cmn£trag Booft* 15 

times at the farthest, the others evidently referring to 
West Retford, Radford near Worksop, or Radford near 
Nottingham, large quantities of land heing mention- 
ed which never existed here. In this opinion Mr. Tho- 
roton appears to coincide. The entry is as under, — 

jjjW In Redforde I. mol.. ptin ad sudtone. 

From which may he gathered, that in Retford there 
was one mill belonging to the fee of Sutton, the pro- 
perty of the Archbishop of York. Two other entries, 
supposed by Bawd win,* to allude to this place, are as 
follows, — 

S In Odesthorpe & Redforde. I bou trae & dim ad 

or 7 

gld. Tra MI. bou. Soca in Clubre. Wasta. e. 

7 7 7 

S In Odesthorpe & Redforde dim bou trse ad gld. 

or 7 -9 -- ta 

Tra MI. bou Ibi. e un uill & Ml. pars. I. molini. 
& MI. ac pti. 

That is, — In Odesthorpe (now unknown) and Ret- 
ford, there was one bovat and three quarters of land 
to be taxed. The land four bovats. Soke in Clum- 
ber. The land was waste. 

Also, in Odesthorpe and Retford, there was half an 
oxgang to be taxed. Land to four oxen. There is 



* Bawdwin's Doomsday, p. 346—360. 



16 Wstnvv oi aftetfortr. 

one villain* there, and the fourth part of one mill; and 
four acres of meadow. Thus briefly is Retford no- 
ticed, the foundation of its history consequently rests 
upon a very circumscribed basis. 

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE GRANTS, ETC. 

1278. The Jury found that Walter Prat held a 
mansion here of John Prat his brother, in free bur- 
gage ; likewise of Thomas, son of Ralph de Hayton, 
two acres and a half of meadow, and of divers small 
parcels in several places, and that Adam Prat, then 
seven years old, was his only son and heir. 

1357. John Atte Vykers recovered his seisin of one 
messuage and one toft in East Retford, and Walter, 
son of Adam Prat, and others, were amerced. 

1377. John Atte Vykers granted to the bailiffs, bur- 
gesses, and commonalty, towards the support of the 
chaplains of the Holy Trinity, and of the blessed Vir- 
gin Mary, in the church of St. Swithin, in East Ret- 
ford, and for the salvation of his soul, — the souls of his 



* The villains were an order of tenantry somewhat superior 
to the " common herd : " notwithstanding they were bondmen, 
born upon and transferable with the estates $ they were however 
allowed to hold land in their own right, and consequently though 
in a servile condition, they enjoyed privileges of which the bor- 
dars, who were servants of the lowest degree, were entirely 
deprived. 



Pufcltr antr Pribate ©rani*, &<:♦ 17 



ancestors, and of all his benefactors for ever, eight 
pieces of land in East Retford, with the erections up- 
on them ; together with a fourth part of his timber at 
Langwagh, and the whole of that which he had by 
purchase of Lord Walter Power, on condition that the 
said bailiffs, &c. should pay him the yearly rent of 
£10. for the term of his life. He also gave them one 
garden, with a croft adjoining, called Bolton Yhcrd, 
not included in the above agreement. 

1355. Richard de Raucliffe, parson of Cloun, Wil- 
liam de Burgh, parson of Babvvorth, and Peter le Cooke, 
chaplain, gave to the prior and convent of Worksop, 
five messuages, and the moiety of three messuages in 
East Retford, to find a chaplain to pray for the good 
estate of the said Richard, William, and Peter, whilst 
they should live, and daily to celebrate mass for them 
all when they should be dead, in the church of the said 
| priory, 

hi the same year, the king, (Richard II.) granted 
I to John Lesta, parson of West Retford; Thomas, vicar 
of Clarborough ; Thomas, vicar of East Retford; John 
[de Tyreswell, chaplain; Hugh de Tyln, of Retford; 
William de Burgh, parson of Babworth ; John Atte 
Vykeis ; and Thomas de Besthorpc, that they should 
I give to the bailiffs of East Retford, and their succes- 
sors, nine messuages, five tofts, and 8s. rent in East 
iRetford, which they had held of the king in free bur- 
|gage by the service of Id, per annum, to find two 

D 



18 W^ovn oi aUtforS, 

chaplains to officiate at the altars of St. Trinity and 
St. Mary, in the church of East Retford, according to 
the ordinance of the Archbishop of York. 

13SS. This year the old town-hall was erected. An 
agreement was entered into between the bailiffs and 
commonalty, and twenty burgesses, viz. Robert Usher; 
John de Kirton, Berker ; Roger de Ha ward by ; Wil- 
liam de Balderton; Thomas de Huntersfield ; Thomas 
Waddestcr ; William Mayson ; Johnde Man ton ; John 
Prentys, Berker ; Roger de Thurlhy ; John de Toller- 
ton ; John de Lound, draper; William lie Ilaynton ; 
John Arnakl ; John Lord;- John Smyth ; Roger Bar- 
ber ; Thomas de Manlon ; John Barke Corvaser ; and 
Robert Wright ; for the completion of the building. At 
the . same time was to be made " one stockhousc, for 
stocks to be set under the steps of the hall aforesaid, 
which, said hall, chamber, and stockhouse should be 
daily exercised for the use of the bailiffs for the time 
being, when need should require" Whether this ex- 
ercise was ever practised, and how long it continued, I 
am unable to say ; latterly however the municipal au- 
thorities have dispensed with the recreation. 

1392. This year, William de Burgh, parson of Bab- 
worth, and John de Tyreswell, chaplain of the blessed 
virgin Mary, of East Retford, granted a house situate 
in Kyrkgate, to Cecilia, relict of William Mayson, for 
the term of her life, and at her decease to become the 
property of the bailiffs, &c. for ever. 



|3u£Iic an* |3nbstc <£rani£ t fcr, lo 

The Corporation are in possession of a document 
under the seal of the Archbishop of York, dated 13th 
August, 1392, confirming the appointment of the two 
chaplains, appointed by the bailiffs. 

1426. John Schethcr, and John Milner of East Ret- 
ford, and John Tayloiir of Wellome Morgatte, gave 
one tenement lying in Bryggate, and abutting upon the 
Kynegcsgate, to Robert Holme, vicar of the parish, and 
to William Wright, chaplain. 

1 474. This year, William Walker granted one tene- 
ment " abutting upon the market-stcde, and the west 
head abutting upon the water of Mill/' (formerly the 
property of " John Rye of Rodcrham/') to Bfa* Ro- 
bert Gyll, vicar, Richard Ryrstow, and Bryan Clarke. 

1500. At the beginning of this century, and for 
some time subsequent, this town appears to have made 
considerable progress in the improvement and exten- 
sion of its buildings, so much so, as to place it more on 
a level with the rest of the kingdom. During the reign 
of Henry the seventh, the civil wars which had dis- 
tracted the country for a long time, were put an end 
to, and the prosperity of the country soon began to de- 
velope itself. On the accession of Henry the eighth, 
the value of property became considerably augmented, 
— at least it rose from a value which in reality was 
but nominal before, to a certain rate bearing- an equal- 
ity to the increase in the value of the currency of the 
country. In Retford and its vicinage, many build- 

d 2 



20 W&tovv oi Mctfav*. 



ings were erected to accommodate the wants of an in- 
creasing population, and the numerous transfers of pro- 
perty which were effected, gives ample proof of the 
growing importance which this part of the country was 
at that time acquiring. 

1518. This year, Thomas Gunthorpe, parson of 
Babworth, " of his good, charitable, and virtuous dis- 
position/' agreed with the bailiffs, burgesses, and com- 
monalty, that they should at his own proper costs and 
expences, build, and set up in timber, workmanship, 
and all other things necessary to a school-house in 
East Retford, upon such a convenient ground in the 
same town as could be devised between the said par- 
ties. 

1521. William Underwoode, this year, granted two 
tofts, lying in Newgate street, to Richard Kytteson, 
and William Rossell, burgesses of East Retford. 

1537. By letters patent, dated October 6th, Henry 
the eighth, granted the manor and lordship of East 
Retford, to George, Earl of Shrewsbury and Waterford. 
He also further granted to Sir John Markham, Kt. all 
the lands lying within this borough, which formerly 
belonged to the Abbey of Rufford, as well as the grange 
standing within the precincts of the town. 

1539. Henry the eighth, by letters patent, dated 
February 26th, granted all the lands belonging to the 
Abbey of Wclbeck, lying in East Retford, which were 
then rented at £2. \~js. 4d. a year, to Richard Whal- 
ley and bis heirs, for ever. 



PuSIft anif IBvibatt ffirattte, fcr*. 21 



1540. This year the priory of Mattersca possessed 
lands here of the annual value of 13#. Ad, y which by 
letters patent, dated November 4th, were granted to 
Anthony Nevile, Esq. 

1542. The priory of Radford, near Worksop, had 
rents of assize here, valued at 7*. §d. 9 and lands-valued 
at £3. lis. which on the 22nd November, were grant- 
ed to Francis, the fifth Earl of Shrewsbury. 

Whatever the motives might be which induced Henry 
to suppress the various monastic institutions, does not 
furnish the subject of our present enquiry y. but the be- 
neficial effects resulting from them will be felt and ac- 
knowledged to the remotest generations. During the 
dark ages* of superstition and bigotry, the demon of 
persecution and intolerance stalked through the land 
with impunity, — scattering the seeds of persecution 
and disloyalty, when, and wherever, she thought pro- 
per. Now, however, the dawn of reason, assisted by 
the light of divine truth, began to diverge its luminous 
rays in every direction ; the phantom of superstition, 
which had been nursed and reared in the various reli- 
gious honses which every where abounded, finding 
" the schoolmaster was abroad ". in England, took her 
hideous flight to the continent, where, in order to re- 
concile herself to the fate, to which she had in the first 
instance subjected herself, she has continued to wage 
war against the spread of that light which infringed 
upon her dominions., and assisted in .chasing her away. 



22 ?^teion> of ilcifortt* 

Nevertheless, in spite of her utmost efforts, the Pro- 
testant religion has continued to spread far and wide, 
— not only in this country, hut has been carried hy 
British sons, — and through their exertions been propa- 
gated, through almost every part of the civilized world. 
1548. Thomas Wright, freemason, and Vicus Wes- 
ton, both of East Retford, granted to John ITercy, Esq. 
of Grove, Nicholas Dcnman, Esq., Charles Denman, 
Gent., Humphrey Denney, Gent., Robert Golland, John 
Wadsone, Nicholas Wilson, and John Thackerow, vi- 
car, such property as they were possessed of in East 
Retford. 

1551. The benefits resulting from the suppression 
of the greater and lesser monasteries, soon made them- 
selves felt throughout the country, and learning began 
to be esteemed and much sought after. Accordingly 
after the death of Henry, his successor, (Edward VF.) 
on ascending the throne, seeing the bent of the people's 
disposition to be in favour of an extension in the means 
of acquiring knowledge, established schools in different 
parts of the country, amongst which was the Free 
Grammar School at this place. The patent is dated 
December 9th, 1551. 

1 554. On the 2nd October , Sir John Hercy of Grove, 
granted to the bailiffs and burgesses a quantity of land 
in the Hamlet of Greenley, and also two tofts in Cha- 
pelgate. 

1600. From the records belonging to the Corpora- 



IBxMit antf prtbate (Grants, &t. 23 

tion, it appears during the latter part of the 16th cen- 
tury, that a very considerable increase had taken place 
in the population of the town, and persons of wealth 
and importance had taken up their residence therein; 
but that in consequence of the antiquity of some of the 
charters under which the town was governed, (which 
were in a great measure obsolete,) it was thought ne- 
cessary to apply to government for such a charter as 
would effectually govern the town, and be more in uni- 
son with the intellectual enlightenment of the age ; this 
was done, and a new charter obtained in 1607 ; which, 
as it is the only one under which the Corporation act, 
the reader will find at length in a subsequent part of 
the work. 

1627. Since the time of obtaining the charter, the 
annual payment of £10. to the crown, (the fee farm of 
the town,) had been discontinued, as, from the tenor of 
the said charter it was considered to have been finally 
adjusted. On the 10th July, however, the bailiffs re- 
ceived notice to appear before his Majesty's receiver 
of the counties of Nottingham and Derby, to pay the 
said rental, and also the fee-farm of the mills of the 
town. 

1645. During the unfortunate dissentions which 
sprung up between Charles and the parliament, and the 
still more unfortunate events which followed, this coun- 
ty appears to have been one of the chief places where 
the ill-fated monarch took up his quarters. I do aot 



24 %>i$tovv oi JftttJortr. 

however find that this town was ever honoured with 
the presence of Royalty, except on the 20th of August 
in this year, when Charles passed through on his route 
from Don-easier to Newmarket. 

Pram th re period little mention is made of Retford 
in any public documents for several years ; nevertheless 
we may naturally conclude, that this town progres- 
sively improved in its internal appearances, and the 
inhabitants participated in those refinements, along 
with the rest af the kingdom during the subsequent 
reigns of the members of the illustrious house of Han- 
over, which have so far characterized this country above 
all others. 



CHAP. III. 

dMtttt tittib&Uimtnt o£ Corporation*— Mwapttu* 
latton of Ancient (ffirant*, Charter*, &t.— 
Charter of ming Jam^ tje dftrst 



FIRST ESTABLISHMENT OF CORPORATIONS. 

At what period the first establishment of Commu- 
nities or Corporations took place, seems involved in 
mystery, and several of our most celebrated historians 
are by no means agreed upon the subject. Some are 
of opinion that incorporations did not take place, in 
this country, until after the Norman conquest ; amongst 
these may be reckoned Hume, Robertson, and others ; 
the latter of whom observes, that charters of Commu- 
nity were first introduced into France and other coun- 
tries of Europe, about the years 1108 and 1137. Au- 
thorities like these, it must be acknowledged, are not 
easily overturned ; nevertheless, Lord Littleton, on the 
other hand remarks, that " It is not improbable that 
some towns in England were formed into Corporations 
under the Saxon kings, and that the charters granted 
by the kings of the Norman race, were not charters of 

E 



26 pjtsiorj) ci Mttiov*. 



enfranchisement from a state of slavery, but confirm- 
ations of privileges which they already enjoyed." 

Which of these opinions may be correct is not 
for me to determine ; no record of antiquity, suf- 
ficient to solve the mystery, having come under my 
observation during the research which I have made 
amongst the ancient documents pertaining to the Cor- 
poration of East Retford. 

East Retford is a Borough by prescription,* and is 
undoubtedly of very high antiquity; but whatever its 
age may be, it is to be feared the name of its original 
patron must for ever remain involved in obscurity. 

In making out a regular series of the vaiious char- 
ters, &c. which have, at different periods, been given to 
this town, considerable difficulty has arisen in conse- 
quence of some being lost, others, from the length of 
time passed away since they were granted, and from 
various other causes, have become illegible, and the 
dates of the remainder being frequently at variance 
with each other. To one of the above causes, I am 
inclined to believe, may be attributed the misfortune 
to which allusion has previously been made. In order, 
therefore, to supply this defect, conjecture must be 
had resource to, which will, almost beyond dispute, 



* By prescription signifies that it is a Borough in virtue of 
those customs and privileges, which has, from immemorial 
usage, obtained the force of law. 



XUtapitulation of Undent (flhanis, &r* 27 

fix it upon Richard I* commonly called Ccsur tie Lion, 
as the original henefactor of the Borough. The char- 
ter, however, is not ,at present in existence, hut judging 
from the tenor of certain ancient documents which I 
have perused, the incorporation must have taken place 
between the years 1185 and 1200, and during the in- 
tervening period, the name of Richard I. is not unfre- 
quently mentioned. 

RECAPITULATION OF ANCIENT GRANTS, &C. 

In 1246, Henry the third, for the bettering of this 
Borough, granted to the burgesses, and their heirs, one 
fair, annually, for eight days, viz. on the eve, the day, 
and the morrow of Holy Trinity, and five days follow- 
ing. He also granted them and their successors that 
whilst resident in the Borough, they should be acquit- 
ted of toll, pannage, and murage, throughout the whole 
kingdom. He likewise granted to them and their heirs, 
in fee-farm for twenty marks of silver, yearly, the tolls 
of the bridge at Kelim,and all along to Dourbcck where 
it falls into the Trent, and of Eperstone, and the bridge 
of Mirald and of Retford, and of all other places where 
the burgesses of the town of Nottingham were wont 
to take toll. 

* It is supposed that during the reign of this prince, coat ar- 
mour was introduced into this country, which, as the face of 
the warrior was concealed by the barred vizor, was rendered 
necessary as a distinctive cognizance whereby he might be dis- 
tinguished in the field of battle. 

E 2 



28 f&fe*W£ at MiHorX. 

On the 27th November, 1279, Edward the first, 
granted the town in fee-farm to the burgesses, paying 
for the same £10. per annum; he also granted that 
they should have a market on every Saturday, with 
stall, tollage, stalls, and other liberties and free cus- 
toms belonging to the same. He likewise gave them 
a court to plead the writ of a certain patent of the 
common law, and to have the amendment of the assize 
of bread and beer,* and the pillory and the clucking 
stool, t and wrecks J and waifes;|| and to have a 
bailiff of themselves, when to them should seem expe- 
dient to the keeping of the said town and its appur- 
tenances. 

* The power of settling the assize of bread and beer, was a 
privilege, commonly granted to corporate bodies, conformably 
with a statute of Henry the second. 

t The ducking stool, or tumbcrel, "was an engine of punish- 
ment, which used to be in every liberty, having view of frank- 
pledge, for the correction of scolds and other unquiet or disor- 
derly women. This machine was in use in this country during 
Saxon times, and is mentioned in Doomsday-book, under the 
appellation of the cathedra stercoris, as the delinquents used 
to be placed in the chair, and ducked in stinking water.'' Hol- 
land's Hist. TVorksop, 

% Wreck, by the ancient common law, was where any ship 
was lost at sea, and the goods or cargo thrown upon land j in 
which case, the goods were adjudged to belong to the king. 

|| Waifs, bona waviata, were goods stolen, and waived or 
thrown away by the thief in his flight, for fear of being appre- 
hended. These were given to the king by the law, as a punish- 
ment upon the owner, for not himself pursuing the felon, and 
taking away his goods from him. 



ftttapitulatfon c£ indent (ffirant*, &r* 20 

In 1336, Edward the third* confirmed all the liber- 
ties which had previously heen granted to the town, 
and further granted that the inhabitants should not be 
put on Juries at the assizes, or recognize any matters 
with foreigners on occasion of lands and tenements 
either without or within the said Borough ; he also ex- 
empted them from all tolls and foreign services. 

It appears that the burgesses of Nottingham were 
accustomed to take toll at several places in this neigh- 
bourhood, but that the burgesses of Retford put in 
their claim ; in consequence of which, an action was 
brought by the burgesses of that place, when on the 
trial it was alleged that Richard Laehebere, Jonathan 
Cooke, Thomas Hocklethorne, and Robert of Mantes, 
whilst they were bailiffs, took toll without their bound- 
aries, viz. at Matterscy, of Robert le Caitere for hor- 
ses and colts driving towards the fair of Stow, three 
shillings ; of John Toppynage for the same, three shil- 
lings ; and of Henry Warnford three shillings, as well 
as of divers other merchants then passing with mer- 
chandize. This the burgesses of Retford did not deny, 
but pleaded the liberties granted them in a former 



* The earliest instance of quartering arms is said to be found 
in the shield of this king-, who emblazoned the symbols of France 
with those of England 5 and from this time, the scheme of quar- 
tering the shield by -a cross, dividing it into four equal parts, 
became common, and made way for that multitudinous diversi- 
ty of bearings, in many instances so puzzling to modern heralds.. 



30 ^fStrsrj) of JHetfurtf. 

charter. In order therefore to set the question at 
rest, and to enable the burgesses to pay the £10. a 
year fee-farm; and the twenty marks yearly to the 
burgesses of Nottingham, the king granted that they 
should have the return of all manner of writs, precepts, 
attachments, bills, mandates, &c. Also all manner 
of goods and chattels belonging to felons, fugitives, 
condemnation of felons de se ; and goods and chattels 
vvaifed ; also all manner of fines, ransoms, and amer- 
ciaments whatsoever. He also granted them a fair in 
lieu of the one granted by Henry the third, in 1246, 
to be held in the eve, on the day, and the morrow of St. 
Gregory the bishop, and for five days following, with 
all the liberties and free customs of the said fair. 
Another fair was also granted by the same king in 
1373. to be held yearly, for four days, before the feast 
of St. Margaret, the day of the feast, and the day 
after. 

In 1424, King Henry the sixth confirmed most of 
the before mentioned grants, &c. and also of his royal 
will and favour, further gave unto the bailiffs and bur- 
gesses a court of record for the relief of complaints, 
and also of all manner of pleas of debt, accounts, co- 
venants, trespasses as well by force and arms as other- 
wise done, and other contracts, causes, and matters 
whatsoever within the town aforesaid, to whatsoever 
sum the aforesaid debts, &c. may amount. He also 
granted them the use of the office of escheator and 



Charter oi J) a mot £♦ 31 

clerk of the market, and also the clerk of assay. And 
lastly granted to them a fair yearly, for four days, 
viz. on the eve, and the feast of St. Matthew the Apos- 
tle, and for two days immediately following the same. 
All of which charters, grants, &c. were allowed by 
the several kings until the time of James the first, 
who not only confirmed the same, hut also incorpora- 
ted the Borough anew, in form and manner following. 

CHARTER OF JAMES I. 

JAMES, by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, 
France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, 
and so forth. To all to whom these present Let- 
ters shall come greeting. 

WL : !)tVt&& our town of East Retford in the county 
of Nottingham, is a town very ancient and populous. 
And the burgesses of the said town, sometimes by the 
name of the bailiffs and burgesses of the town of East 
Retford, in the county of Nottingham, and some- 
times by the name of the burgesses of the town of 
East Retford, and sometimes by other names, divers 
liberties, franchises, customs, privileges, and other 
hereditaments, had, used, and enjoyed, and they have, 
use, and enjoy, as well by divers charters and letters 
patent of divers of our forefathers and ancestors, late 
kings and queens of England, as by reason of divers 
prescriptions and customs in the same town had and 
used. 

Stlttf iuljmag our beloved subjects, late bailiffs 
and burgesses of the town aforesaid, have us humbly 
petitioned as far as we to the same bailiffs and bur- 
gesses of our town aforesaid, our royal grace and 
bounty in this behalf will. shew or extend. 



32 W*tovy oi Mtttovn. 

fltttf for that, we, for the better government, rule and 
improvement of the same town, the said bailiffs and 
burgesses of the town of East Retford aforesaid, in ] 
one body corporate and politic, by the name of the 
bailiffs and burgesses of the town of East Retford, in 
the county of Nottingham, by our letters patent, to 
make, restore, constitute, but not to new create, we 
will dignify with augmentation, and addition of certain 
liberties, privileges, immunities, and franchises, as 
by us better to be done r kl made shall be seen expe- 
dient. 

tKff? are therefore willing that amongst other things 
for ever continually shall be had one certain and un- 
doubted measure, in the same town, of, and for, the 
keeping of our peace, and rule, and government, of 
our people there inhabiting, and of other things from 
thence resulting. And so as that town in all future 
times for ever may be, and remain, a town of peace and 
quietude, to the dread and terror of evil delinquents, 
and reward of the good; and also that our peace as 
to other acts of justice and good government there 
maybe better kept; and also hoping that if the said 
bailiffs and burgesses of the said town and their 
successors shnll from our grant enjoy more extensive 
authorities, liberties, and privileges; then that for 
the services which we for ourselves, our heirs, and 
successors, can cause to happen or be exhibited, they 
may think themselves more particularly and strongly 
obliged of our special favour, certain knowledge, and 
mere motion, we will ordain, constitute, declare, 
and grant, and by these presents, do for us, and our 
heirs, and successors, will order, constitute, declare 
and grant, that the said town of East Retford, in the 
•county of Nottingham, may, and shall be, and remain, 
amongst other things for ever a free town of itself. 

^Jttfc that the bailiffs and burgesses of the aforesaid 
town and their successors, amongst other matters, for 



Charter ot $ameg I. 33 

ever may ho, and shall he, hy virtue of these presents, 
one body corporate and politic, in matter, deed, and 
name, hy the name of the bailiffs and burgesses of the 
town of East Retford, in the county of Nottingham, 
and they' by the name of the bailiffs and bir-gesses of 
the town of East Retford, in the county of Nottingham, 
one body corporate and politic, in matter, deed, and 
name, really and perfectly for us, our heirs, and suc- 
cessors, we do make, erect, ordain, constitute, ratify, 
confirm, and declare by these presents, and that by 
the same name they may have perpetual succession. 
And that they by the name of the bailiffs and burges- 
ses, of the town of East Retford, in the county of 
Nottingham, may be and shall be at all times for ever, 
proper persons and capable in law, as a body corporate 
and politic. And capable in law to have, demand, re- 
ceive, possess, enjoy, and keep the lands, tenements, 
liberties, privileges, jurisdictions, franchises, and here- 
ditaments whatsoever, and of whatsoever name, kind, 
nature, quality, or shape, they may he to them and 
their successors in fee and for ever, or for term of life 
or lives, year or years, or otherwise, and in any other 
manner. And also the goods and chattels, and whatso- 
ever other things, of whatsoever kind, name, nature, 
quality, or shape they may be. And also to give, 
grant, demise, alien, assign, and dispose of the lands, 
tenements, and hereditaments, and all and singular 
other matters and things to do, and execute, by the 
name aforesaid. And that by the same name of the 
bailiffs and burgesses of the town of East Retford, in 
the county of Nottingham, to plead and answer, to be 
impleaded and answered, defend and be defended, they 
ought, and may be able, in whatsoever courts and pla- 
ces, and before whatsoever judge and justices, and 
other persons and officers of us, and our heirs and suc- 
cessors, in all and singular, actions, pleas, suits, com- 
plaints, causes, matters, and demands whatsoever, and 

F 



34 fiHsisrp oi &etfor&« 

of whatsoever kind, nature, quality, or shape they may 
or shall be, in the same manner and form as any other 
of our loyal subjects Within our kingdom of England, 
or any other body corporate and politic of this king- 
dom of England, as proper persons, and capable in law 
to have, perceive, receive, possess, enjoy, retain, and 
give, grant, demise, alien, assign, and dispose, plead, 
and answer to be impleaded, and to be answered, de- 
fend and make defence, permit or be able to execute. 

Sutf that the bailiffs and burgesses of the town afore- 
said, and tbeir successors, amongst other things sball 
for ever have a common seal, for whatsoever causes 
and businesses of them and their successors may re- 
quire to be transacted. And that it may be and shall 
be lawful to the said bailiffs and burgesses of the said 
town, and their successors, that seal at tbeir pleasure 
from time to time to destroy, change, and make new, 
as to them shall appear better to be made and done. 

Slutf further, we will and by these presents, for our 
heirs and successors, we grant that amongst other 
things for ever, may and shall be within the aforesaid 
town, chief magistrates of the burgesses of the town 
aforesaid, to be chosen in the manner in these presents 
undermentioned, of whom one shall be, and be called 
senior bailiff of the aforesaid town, and the other shall 
be, and be called junior bailiff of the same town. And 
that there may be and shall be within the aforesaid 
town, twelve of the burgesses of the aforesaid town, to 
be chosen in the manner in these presents undermen- 
tioned, who shall be, and shall be called aldermen of 
the aforesaid town. 

^liltf we will and by these presents for us, our heirs, 
and successors, we do grant that the aforesaid bailiffs, 
and twelve aldermen of the town aforesaid, for the time 
being, shall be from time to time of common council of 
the town aforesaid. 

Ilntf that the aldermen of the aforesaid town, shall 



Cparitr of Sacnwg 5* 35 

be from time to time aiding and assisting to the bai- 
liffs of the said town, for the time being, in all causes, 
matters, and things touching or concerning the said 
town. 

finft further, we will and by these presents, for us 
our heirs, and successors, do grant to the said bailiffs 
and burgesses of the aforesaid town, and their succes- 
sors, that the bailiffs and aldermen of the aforesaid 
town, or the major part of them, of whom we will that 
there be two bailiffs of the aforesaid town, for the time 
being, on public notice thereof to be given to this so- 
ciety, may have, and shall have, full power and authority 
of instituting, constituting, ordaining, and making from 
time to time laws, statutes, constitutions, decrees, and 
reasonable ordinances in writing, which to them or the 
major part of them. Of whom we will that there be 
two bailiffs of the aforesaid town for the time befag, 
may according to their sound directions appear to be 
good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary, for the 
good rule and- government of the aforesaid town. And 
of all and singular the officers, ministers, artificers, in- 
habitants, and residents whomsoever, of the said town, 
for the lime being, and for a declaration in what 
manner and order the same bailiffs and aldermen, and 
all and singular, officers and ministers, burgesses, arti- 
ficers, inhabitants, and residents, of the aforesaid town, 
in their offices, functions, services, trades, and busi- 
nesses, within the aforesaid town and liberty, and the 
precinct thereof, for the time being, themselves de- 
mean, behave, and be used, for the further good, pub- 
lic, common, utility, and good government of the afore- 
said town, and the victualling thereof, and all other 
matters and things touching, or in anywise concerning, 
the aforesaid town. 

littfr that they the bailiffs and aldermen of the same 
town, for the time being, or the major part of them, of 
whom we will that there be two bailiffs of the afore- 

f 2 



36 W*tov$ *i totttovn. 



said town, for the time being, as often as the laws, 
statutes, acts, ordinances, and constitutions of this 
sort, they shall institute, make, ordain, or establish, 
in manner aforesaid, and such pains, punishments, and 
penalties, by imprisonment of the body, or by lines, 
amerciaments, or either of them, towards and upon all 
delinquents, against the laws, acts, ordinances, and 
constitutions of this kind, or any of them, or any other 
laws, ordinances, and constitutions, which shall appear 
to be better, to make, ordain, limit, and provide. And 
the same lines and amerciaments they may be able to 
levy and have, to the use of the aforesaid bailiff's and 
burgesses of the aforesaid town, and their successors, 
without any hindrance of us, our heirs, and successors, 
or of any officers or ministers of us, our heirs, and suc- 
cessors, and without any account to us, our heirs, and 
successors, to be therefore given. All which laws, ordi- 
nances, and constitutions so as aforesaid, we will to be 
fulfilled and observed under the penalties therein con- 
tained, so as the laws, ordinations, institutions, consti- 
tutions, imprisonments, lines, and amerciaments of this 
kind shall be reasonable, and that they be not repug- 
nant or contrary to the laws, statutes, customs, or acts 
of our kingdom of England 

2ltttf for the better execution of our will and grant 
in this behalf, we assign, nominate, create, appoint, 
and make, and by these presents for us, our heirs, and 
successors, do assign, nominate, create, appoint, 
and make our well beloved William Thornton, to be 
our present senior bailiff of the town aforesaid, and 
Nicholas Watson to be our present junior bailiff of 
the aforesaid town, willing that the same William and 
Nicholas shall continue in the office aforesaid, from 
the date of these presents until the feast of Saint 
Michael the archangel next ensuing, and until other 
chief magistrates of the burgesses of the aforesaid 
town, to those offices shall in due manner be elected, 



€%zvtn oi $ame£ 3L 37 

perfected, and sworn, according to the ordinations and 
provisions in these presents under, expressed and de- 
clared, if the same William Thornton and Nicholas 
Watson shall so long live. 

Ihltf we further will, and by these presents, for us, 
and our heirs, and successors, do grant to the said 
bailiffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
successors, that the bailiffs and burgesses of the same 
town for the time being, when to them, or the major 
part of them, shall seem expedient, upon public notice 
thereof to be given, they may be able to convoke and 
assemble themselves in some convenient place within 
the same town, and that the said bailiffs and burges- 
ses so assembled and convoked, or the major part of 
them may chase, nominate, and constitute, twelve of 
the honest burgesses of the aforesaid town, to be and 
be made aldermen of the same town, which said 
twelve aldermen so as aforesaid, to be elected, nomi- 
nated, and constituted, as aldermen of the same town, 
upon their corporal oath on the holy evangelist of 
God, before the bailiffs of the same town, for the 
time being, to the office of aldermen of the aforesaid 
town, well and faithfully shall execute and perform, 
and every of them will perform. And after oath 
so made, the office of aldermen of the aforesaid 
town shall manage and execute during their natural 
lives, and during the natural life of every of them, 
unless in the mean time for any reasonable cause 
from that office of aldermen of the same town, they, 
or any of them, aldermen of the same town, they or 
any of them shall be amoved. And that the said 
aldermen so as aforesaid elected, nominated, consti- 
tuted, and sworn, so long as in the office of aldermen 
they shall happen, to be shall be of common council of 
the same town, and shall bo from time to time assist- 
ing, and aiding to, the bailiffs of the same town, for 
the time being, in all things, causes, and matters 



whatsoever, in any manner touching or concerning the 
said town. 

Slnfr farther, we will and by these presents, for us, 
our heirs, and successors, do granjfc to the said bailiffs 
and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their suc- 
cessors, that the bailiffs atid aldermen of the aforesaid 
town, for the time being, or the major part of them, 
for all future times for ever, may have, and shall have 
power and authority of ch using and nominating, 
and that they may be able to chose and nominate 
yearly and every year for ever, on the first Monday 
which shall first fall out, or happen in the month of 
August, one of the aldermen of the town aforesaid 
for the time being, who shall be senior bailiff of the 
aforesaid town. And that he, after he shall have 
been so as aforesaid elected and nominated as senior 
bailiff of the aforesaid ancient town, shall be admitted 
to execute that office on his corporal oath, on the feast 
of St. Michael the archangel, then next following the 
election and nominal ion aforesaid, before their last 
predecessors, bailiffs oi the town aforesaid, to that 
office rightly, well, and faithfully, in all things touching 
the execution of that office, shall perform. And that 
after this kind of oath so to be made the office of se- 
nior bailiff of the aforesaid town, for one whole year, 
then next following, he shall be able to execute. And 
from thence until one other the aldermen of the afore- 
said town, to that office in due manner shall have been 
elected, perfected, and sworn, according to the ordina- 
tions and provisions in these presents expressed and 
declared. 

3tt$f we further will, and by these presents, for us, 
our heirs, and successors, do grant the aforesaid bai- 
liffs and burgesses of the aforesaid town, and their 
successors, that the bailiffs and aldermen of the afore- 
said town, for the time being, and their successors, or 
the major part of them, yearly and every year, for 



Charter ai Sained 1% 39 

ever, on the first Monday which shall first fall out, or 
happen in the month of August, may nominate two of 
the burgesses of the same town, to the end that the 
bailiffs, aldermen, and burgesses of the aforesaid town, 
for the time being, or the major part of them, one of 
the same two burgesses of the aforesaid town, so na- 
med as junior bailiff of the aforesaid town, they shall 
be able to chuse and perfect, and after this kind of 
nomination by the aforesaid bailiffs and aldermen, or 
the major part of them, so as aforesaid made, it is and 
shall be lawful for the aforesaid bailiffs, aldermen, and 
burgesses of the aforesaid town, or the major part of 
them, one of the same two burgesses so as aforesaid 
named as junior bailiff, and for junior bailiff of the 
same town, to name, chuse, and appoint. And that he 
who as junior bailiff of the aforesaid town, shall be as 
aforesaid, named and elected on his corporal oath, on 
the feast of St. Michael the archangel, then next fol- 
lowing, the election and nomination aforesaid, before 
the last bailiffs of the aforesaid town, their predeces- 
sors, to that office of junior bailiff of the aforesaid 
town, rightly, well, and faithfully, in all things touch- 
ing the execution of that office, shall perform ; and that 
after this kind of oath so made, the office of junior 
bailiff of that town, for one whole year from thence 
next following, shall be able to execute, and from 
thence until one other burgess of the town aforesaid, 
to that office of junior bailiff of the town aforesaid, 
shall in due manner be elected, appointed, and sworn, 
according to the ordinations and provisions in these 
presents expressed and declared. 

StlSf furthermore we will and by these presents for 
us, our heirs, and successors, do grant to the said bai- 
liffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
successors, that if it shall happen the senior bailiff and 
junior bailiff of the aforesaid town, or either of them, 
any time within one year after that to the office of se- 



40 W&t&tp of Hcifcrtf. 

nior bailiff or junior bailiff of the aforesaid town, so ns 
aforesaid, shall have been appointed and sworn, to die, 
or he amoved from that office, that then, and as often 
election shall he made of another person or other per- 
sons, to supply the aforesaid office or place of senior 
bailiff and junior bailiff of the town aforesaid, or either 
of them so being dead or amoved according to the or- 
dinations and provisions in these presents above de- 
clared, and that, he or they so as aforesaid elected and 
appointed into the office or offices of senior bailiff and 
junior bailiff of the town aforesaid, that office he or 
they shall have and exercise during the residue of the 
same year, the corporal oath in form aforesaid, first 
ttia&u before one other surviving bailiff of the aforesaid 
town, and three or more aldermen of the same town, 
or if both the bailiffs shall be dead, then before three 
or nore aldermen of the same town for the time being, 
and so as often as such cases shall so happen. 

SntJ further we will, that whenever it shall happen 
any one of the aforesaid aldermen of the common 
courcil, of the town aforesaid, for the time being, to 
die or be amoved from his office, that then and as 
often the bailiffs and residue of the aldermen of com- 
mon ( oui.cil, of the town aforesaid, then remaining or 
surviving, or the major part of them, two of the bur- 
gesses of the town aforesaid, may nominate to the end, 
that the bailiffs, aldermen, and burgesses of the town 
aforesaid, for the time being, or the major part of 
them, one of the same two burgesses of the town afore- 
said, so named, they may he able to chusc and appoint 
as an alderman of the same town, and that after such 
manner of appointment by the said bailiffs and alder- 
men, or the major part of them, so as aforesaid made, 
it shall and may he lawful to the aforesaid bailiffs, 
aldermen, and burgesses of the town aforesaid, or the 
major part of them, one of the same two burgesses so 
as aforesaid, named as aldermen and for aldermen of 



the same town, in the place of such aldermen as may 
happen to die or he amoved, to chuse, name, and ap- 
point, to supply the aforesaid number of twelve alder- 
men of common council, of the town aforesaid ; and 
that he, so as aforesaid, to the office of aldermen of 
the town aforesaid, to be elected, appointed, and made, 
before the bailiffs of the town aforesaid, for the time 
being, on his corporal oath, the office of aldermen of 
common council of the town aforesaid, well and faith- 
fully to execute, shall be of the number aforesaid, of 
twelve aldermen of common council of the town afore- 
said, and this from time to time, as often as such cases 
may happen. 

"IttttJ further we will and by these presents, for us, 
our heirs, and successors, do grant to the said bailiffs 
and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their succes- 
sors, that the bailiffs of the town aforesaid, for the 
time being, and steward of the court of the town afore- 
said, for the time being, from time to time, for ever, 
may be and shall be our justices, and each of them may 
be and shall be a justice of us, our heirs, and succes- 
sors, to preserve the peace of us, our heirs, and suc- 
cessors, within the same town, liberty, and precinct 
thereof. And also the ordinances concerning artificers 
and labourers, weights and measures, within the town 
aforesaid and liberties, and precincts of the same, to 
preserve, correct, or cause to be kept and corrected. 
And that the said bailiffs and steward of the court of 
the town aforesaid, for the time being, or any two of 
them, from time to time for ever, shall have full pow- 
er and authority to enquire concerning all trespasses, 
misprisons, and other inferior misdeeds and articles 
within the town aforesaid, and liberty and precinct of 
the same, done, moved, or perpetrated, which before 
the keepers and justices of the peace, in any other 
county of our kingdom of England, by the laws and 
statutes of the same kingdom, as justices of the peace, 

G 



42 ?£?fetm-g oi Mztiov*. 

can or ought to be enquired into. And that no justice 
of peace of us, our heirs, and successors, of the said 
county of Nottingham, the town of East Retford, li- 
berties, and precincts of the same, shall in any manner 
enter upon to do any thing there which the said justi- 
ces of peace of our town aforesaid, by virtue of these 
our letters patents, can or ought to do, yet so as that 
to the determination of any sentence of murder or 
felony, or any other matter touching loss of life or 
member within the town aforesaid, or liberty, or pre- 
cinct of the same, without special command of us, our 
heirs, or successors in any manner hereafter do pro- 
ceed. 

Ulltf further we will and by these presents, for us, 
our heirs, and successors, do grant to the said bailiffs 
and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their succes- 
sors, that the bailiffs and steward of the court of the 
town aforesaid, for the time being so as aforesaid, and 
being in the office of justice of peace, or any two of 
them, by their warrant in writing, subscribed and seal- 
ed, and signed with their own proper hands, may be 
able to send all such persons who hereafter shall be 
taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid 
town of East Retford, or liberty, or precinct of the 
same, for promotion of murder, felony, manslaughter, 
made or to be made, or for suspicion of felony, to the 
common goal of our county of Nottingham, there to 
stay to be tried and answer for their delinquents, be- 
fore the judges of us, our heirs, and successors, to hear 
and determine, or our justices to deliver our goal in 
the said county of Nottingham, assigned or to be as- 
signed. 

Wit willing and by these presents, for us, our heirs, 
and successors, commanding as well the sheriff of the 
county of Nottingham aforesaid, as the keeper of the 
common goal of the same county of Nottingham, for 
th€ time being, that they and each oi them upon such 



CDarttr ot James £♦ 43 

kind of warrant by the aforesaid justices of the peace, 
within the town of East Retford aforesaid, for the time 
being, or any two of them, ta be made, and to them, or 
either of them to be directed, all such persons so by 
the said justices of the peace, within the town afore- 
said, hereafter to be taken, arrested, attached, or found 
in the aforesaid town of East Retford, liberties, and 
precincts thereof/for promotion of murder, manslaugh- 
ter, robbery, or other felony, made or to be made, for 
our suspicion of felony, and to the common goal of the 
aforesaid county of Nottingham, so as aforesaid, shall 
send, receive, and safe keep there, to stay, to be tried, 
and answer before the judges of us, our heirs, and suc- 
cessors, to hear and determine, or justices to deliver 
our goal of the county aforesaid, for the time being, 
assigned or to be assigned. And these our letters pa- 
tents on the inrollment thereof, shall be to the said 
sheriff and keeper of the common goal of the county 
6f Nottingham aforesaid, for the time being, therefore 
a sufficient warrant and discharge of this behalf. 

flttfr further we will and by these presents, for us r 
our heirs, and successors, we do grant to the said bai- 
liffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
successors, that the bailiffs and aldermen of the same 
town, for the time being, or the major part of them r 
from time to time for ever, may be able to ehuse, no- 
minate, constitute one honest man to be instructed in 
the law of England and to be steward of the court of 
the same town, to make and execute all things, which 
to the office of steward of the court of the town afore- 
said, do belong to be made, which said steward so as 
aforesaid, to be elected, named, and constituted, before 
whom to his office of steward of the court of the town 
aforesaid, shall be admitted to execute on his corporal 
oath, before the bailiffs of the town aforesaid, for the 
lime being, to that office of steward of the court of 
the town aforesaid, in- all things touching that office^ 

g 2 



44 f^fetori) oi MtttoxSi. 

he shall well and faithfully perform and execute. And 
that after the oath aforesaid, so made, the office of 
steward in the court of the town aforesaid, he shall be 
able to execute and exercise during the pleasure of the 
bailiffs and aldermen of the same town, for the time 
being, or the major part of them. 

SIntf further we will and by these presents, for us, 
our heirs, and successors, we do grant to the said bai- 
liffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
successors, that the steward of the court of the town 
aforesaid, for the time being, from time to time for 
ever, as often as he shall see expedient, and with the 
assent and consent of the bailiffs and aldermen of the 
town aforesaid, for the time being, or the major part 
of them, shall be able to make his sufficient deputy, to 
make and execute, all and singular, those things which 
the steward of the court of the town aforesaid, can 
make or execute in the court aforesaid ; his corporal 
oath being first made before the bailiffs of the town 
aforesaid, for the time being, for the due execution of 
that office. And that after the oath aforesaid so made, 
the office aforesaid he shall be able to execute and 
exercise during the pleasure of the bailiffs and alder- 
men of the same town, for the time being, or the major 
part of them. 

Stttf foijereaS, the Lord Henry the sixth, late king 
of England, by certain letters patents, sealed with the 
great seal of England, bearing date, Westminster, the 
twenty-seventh day of May, in the twenty-seventh year 
of his reign, granted to the bailiffs and burgesses of 
the said town of East Retford, their heirs and succes- 
sors, that they should have power to hear and deter- 
mine in the court of the town aforesaid, before their 
steward of the same court, for the time being, as for 
complaints in the same court in any manner to be re- 
lieved, pleas of debt, account, covenant, trespasses, as 
well by force and arms as otherwise, to be made and 



Charter of Janug 3E* 45 

other contracts, causes, and matters, whatsoever with- 
in the town aforesaid ; issuing to whatsoever sum the 
aforesaid debt, account, or damage, or trespass, what- 
soever may be or concern. And that they shall have 
power all persons whomsoever against whom complaints 
of this kind to be relieved shall happen, or he inhabi- 
tants within the same town or East Retford, or not by 
pretence of complaints aforesaid, in the said court to 
he relieved, or within the same town, shall happen to 
be found by their bodies to attach ; and them in the 
same court in pleading to bring the parties against 
those complaining to answer, concerning all those 
things which upon complaint of this kind, to him in 
this behalf, shall happen to be adjudged, as by the 
same letters patents amongst other things may more 
fully appear. 

Ilntf fcjiertag the said court afterwards, sometimes 
before the bailiffs, and sometimes before the steward 
of the town aforesaid, and sometimes before others, 
hath been accustomed to be held and kept, by reason 
whereof, great contentions and discords arose within 
the said town, before whom that court might or ought 
to be held. We therefore willing, amongst other 
things, for ever, that all contentions, differences, and 
discords, for and concerning keeping the court afore- 
said, may be thoroughly abolished, and that one cer- 
tain and undoubted method in the same town may be 
for ever had, of any for keeping the court aforesaid, 
and before whom the said court shall hereafter be 
held, of our special grace, and of our certain knowledge 
and mere motion, 

Wit will and by these presents, for us, our heirs, and 
successors, we do grant to the said bailiffs and bur- 
gesses of the town of East Retford aforesaid, and their 
successors, that they and their successors, amongst 
other things, for ever, shall have and keep, and shall 
be able to have and keep, within the town aforesaid, 



46 W*tov$ of a&eifartf. 

one court of record, on every monday, in every third 
week, in every year, for ever, or oftener if they will, be- 
fore the bai lift's of the same town, with the assistance 
of the steward of the court of the town aforesaid, or 
his deputy steward, for the time being, or before either 
of the bailiffs, with the assistance of the steward of 
the court of the same town, or his deputy steward, for 
the time being, to he held. And that they may hold 
in that court before the bailiffs, with the assistance of 
the steward of the court of the same town, or his de- 
puty steward, for the time being, or before either of 
the bailiffs, with the assistance of the steward of the 
court of the same town, or his deputy steward, for the 
time being, for complaints in the said court to be re- 
lieved, and for all, and all manner of pleas of debt, 
account, covenant, trespass, as well by force or arms 
as otherwise made, and other contracts, causes, and 
matters whatsoever, within the town aforesaid, issuing 
to whatsoever sum the aforesaid debt, account, tres- 
pass, or damage shall be or concern. And that they 
shall have power, all persons whatsoever, against whom 
complaints of this kind to be relieved, shall happen, 
if they shall be inhabitants within the same town of 
East Retford, (or not by pretence the complaints 
aforesaid, against those persons in the said court to be 
relieved,) by their bodies to arrest, and them in the 
same court in pleading, to bring the parties against 
those complaining, to answer concerning all that which 
upon this kind of complaint against them in this be- 
half shall happen, to be adjudged in as ample manner 
and form, as in the said town hath heretofore been 
used, by the aforesaid letters patents, or any other 
thing, cause, custom, or matter whatsoever, heretofore 
had, made, granted, in anywise notwithstanding. 

Slttft UlvtfytV of our special grace, certain know- 
ledge, and mere motion, we grant and coniirm to the 
said bailiffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, ami 



Charter af Same* 2 47 

their successors, all, and all manner of franchises, 
liberties, and authorities, exemptions, discharges, 
jurisdictions, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, 
which the bailiffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid 
now have, hold, use, and enjoy, or which any of them, 
or their predecessors, by whatsoever name or names 
incorporated, or by whatsoever incorporation they 
have heretofore had, used, or enjoyed, or ought to 
have, use, or enjoy, to themselves and their successors, 
of estates of inheritance, by reason or pretence of any 
charter, or letters patent, by any of our forefathers, 
or ancestors, late kings or queens of England, in any 
manner heretofore made, confirmed, or granted, or by 
any other lawful means, right, title, custom, use, or 
prescription, heretofore lawfully used, had, or accus- 
tomed; although they have not been heretofore by 
them, or any of them, used, or have been abused, or 
ill used, or discontinued; and are, or shall have been, 
by them, or any of them, or any other forfeited or 
destroyed, to have, hold, and enjoy, to the said 
bailiffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
successors, for ever, and yielding and paying there- 
fore to our heirs and successors, yearly, all such rents, 
services, sums of money, and demands, whatsoever, 
as heretofore, for the same have been accustomed to 
be rendered, or paid, or they ought to render, or pay. 
Wherefore we will, and do firmly command, enjoin, for 
us, our heirs, and successors, that the aforesaid bai- 
liffs and burgesses of the town aforesaid, and their 
successors, shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and may 
be able to have, hold, use, and enjoy for ever, all 
liberties, authorities, jurisdictions, franchises, exemp- 
tions, and discharges aforesaid, according to the tenor 
and effect of these our letters patents, without let or 
hindrance, of us, our heirs, and successors, judges, 
sheriffs, or other bailiffs, and ministers of us, our 
theirs, and successors, whomsoever. We unwilling, 



48 W*t*v$ oi a&ctfortt. 

that the same bailiffs, and aldermen, and men of 
the town aforesaid, or any of them, or any other, 
nor any burgess of the town aforesaid, by reason . 
of the premises, or any of them, by us, or by our 
heirs, judges, sheriffs, escheators, clerks of market, 
or other bailiffs, or ministers, of us, our heirs, or 
successors, whomsoever, shall be therefore hindred, 
molested, vexed, or burthened, or in any manner dis- 
turbed. We willing, and by these presents, command- 
ing and charging, as well our treasurer, chancellor, 
and barons, of our exchequer at Westminster, and 
other judges, of us, our heirs, and successors, as 
our attorney and solicitor general for the time being, 
and each of them, and all other, our officers, and 
ministers, whomsoever, that neither they, or any of 
them, or any other writ or summons of quo warranto, 
or any other, our writ, or writs, or process whatsoever, 
against the said bailiffs and burgesses of the town 
aforesaid, or any of them, or any other, for any 
causes, things, matters, offences, claimed, or usurped, 
or any of them, for themselves, or any of them, due, 
claimed, used, attempted, had, or usurped, before 
the day of making, ot these presents, be prosecuted, 
or continued, or shall make, or cause to be prosecuted, 
or continued. We being also willing, that the bailiffs 
and burgesses of the town aforesaid, or any of them, _ 
by any other, or any other judge, officer, or minister 
aforesaid, in, or for, debt, evil use, or abuse of any other 
liberties, franchises, or jurisdictions, within the town 
aforesaid, limits, or precincts of the same, before the 
day of making of these our letters patents, shall not 
be in anywise molested or hindered, or to these, or any 
of them shall be compelled to answer. We will also, 
and by these presents, do grant to the said bailiffs and 
burgesses of the town aforesaid, that they may have, 
and shall have these our letters patents, under our 
great seal of England, in due manner made and sealed, 



Charter oi Jame£ $* 49 

without fine or fee, great or little, to us in our Hana- 
per, or elsewhere, to our use for the same, in any man- 
ner to be rendered, paid, or made, to the end that ex- 
press mention concerning the true yearly value, or 
concerning the certainty of the premises, or either of 
them, or concerning other gifts, or grants by us, or by 
of any our forefathers and predecessors, to the said bai- 
liffs and burgesses before their times made in these pre- 
sents, doth in no wise appear to be made, or for any 
statute, act, ordination, provision, proclamation, or 
restriction, to the contrary thereof, heretofore had, 
made, published, ordained, or provided, or any other 
thing, cause, or matter whatsoever, in anywise not- 
withstanding. 

Jtlt Wlitnt&& whereof, these our letters we cause to 
be made patents. Witness myself, at Westminster, the 
twenty-fifth day of November, in the fifth year of our 
reign over England, France, and Ireland, and of Scot- 
land the forty-first. 

By writ of Privy Seal, &c. 

LUKYN. 



H 



CHAP. IV. 

—mtttiou oi 1826— %i&t of Jftqu^entaitfo** 



STATE OP THE REPRESENTATION. 

The British Parliament is generally supposed to 
date its origin from the year 11 16, but at that time it 
consisted only of the ancient barons, who appeared at 
Westminter clad in armour, with swords by their sides. 
In 1265 however, a parliament assembled on the 20th 
of January, the members of which consisted of two 
knights from each shire, and of deputies from the 
larger order of Boroughs. 

In process of time, from various causes, those of the 
inferior Boroughs became privileged like the larger 
ones ; and other towns, from interest, and an increase 
in population, rank, wealth, &e. were incorporated and 
endued with power to return persons of talent and in- 
formation, to point out the wants, and seek the redress 
of those grievances under which their constituents la- 
toured, as well as to assist in legislating for the nation 



§&tatt oi fye Mt#vt&tnt&tian. 51 

at large ; thus the House of Commons became the 
connecting link in the chain which unites the com- 
monalty with the nobles of the land, by defending 
the rights and privileges of all classes of his majesty's 
subjects, and adding strength and security to the throne, 
by its counsel, and munificent votes of supply. 

From the most authentic documents, it appears that 
Retford first sent representatives to the National Se- 
nate, in the year 1315, being the ninth of Edward the 
second, but in the year 1330, they petitioned parlia- 
ment at Westminster, after the feast of St. Katharine, 
concerning pardon of their burgesses there, by reason 
of their poverty,* which was granted, and its right lay 
dormant until 1571, (the thirteenth of Queen Eliza- 
beth,) when it again exercised its privilege, although 
on the meeting of the house, the right was questioned, 
and the Treasurer was appointed to confer with the 
Attorney and Solicitor General concerning the legality 
of the return ; no minutes of such conference are now 
in existence, and from that time, until the year 1827, 
it continued to enjoy its elective franchise in a free and 
uninterrupted manner. 

This small Borough, like a number of others of a 

* At that period it was usual for Boroughs to choose represen- 
tatives from out their own body, and not of strangers or country 
gentlemen j and many of these Boroughs were frequently so 
poor as to be unable to pay the members their wages or expen^ 
ses ; even though the allowance was only made for a few days, 
h2 



62 $?fetarp of Mttfortr* 

similar description, was for a series of years, a scene 
of dissension from parliamentary and other causes, 
which need not now he enumerated, and during the 
eighteenth century, the interference of the House of 
Commons, to determine the extent of the rights of the 
hurgesses, and the manner in which its representatives 
should be chosen, was not unfrequently called for. 
The court of King's Bench too, has been occupied 
nearly as often as the House of Commons, on manda- 
mus motions, and informations in the nature of quo 
icarranto, by which the corporation have been compel- 
led to admit several to their freedom, who have been 
arbitrarily kept out of their right, and ousted others 
who had been illegally admitted. 

Mr. Gldfield,in his history of the English Boroughs, 
observes as follows,. "It appears by the Journals of 
the House of Commons, that the Committees of that 
House have been occupied no less than seven times for 
several weeks together, within the last century, in de- 
termining what constitutes a freeman in this little Bo- 
rough, and have left it as much open to contention and 
litigation as they found it. It is not yet decided 
whether the son of a freeman born out of the Borough, 
has an equal right to be admitted with the son of a 
freemen born in the Borough, upon a claim of birth- 
right, nor whether the apprentice to a journeyman 
shoemaker, (which description of persons constitutes a 
majority of the electors,) has the same right to his free- 



£onU£W!S <£ltttum& 53 

dom as the apprentice to a master shoemaker, upon a 
claim of servitude." 

CONTESTED ELECTIONS. 

From the year 1571 to 1700, only three petitions, 
complaining of undue returns, were presented to the 
House of Commons, on two of which no report was 
made, and the other was reported to be in favour of 
the sitting members. The first petition to which refer- 
ence is here made was that of Sir Willoughby Hick- 
man, Bart, in 1700, against the return of Thomas 
White, Esq. on account of undue practices in the re- 
turning officers, when Sir Rowland Gvvynn reported, 
that the first question was the right of election. The 
committee resolved " that the right of electing mem- 
bers to serve in Parliament for this Borough is in the 
burgesses non-resident, as well as in those resident 
within the Borough. That Thomas White, Esq. is 
not duly elected. That it is the opinion of the com- 
mittee that Sir Willoughby Hickman is duly elected a 
burgess of this Borough." 

In 1702 another petition was presented by Sir Wil- 
loughby Hickman, Bart, and William Levinz, Esq. 
against the return of John Thornhaugh and Thomas 
White, Esqrs. complaining of arbitrary and illegal 
power having been exercised by the bailiffs. Sir Row- 
land Gwynn reported, "That the right of election was 
agreed to be in the freemen and burgesses, but the 



54 W*tovp uf J&etfortr, 

question was ivhether the younger sons of freemen 
had a right to demand their freedom? When the com* 
mittee resolved " That the younger sons of the free- 
men of this Borough have not a right to demand their 
freedom of this Borough" And "That the sitting 
members are duly elected." 

In the succeeding Parliament, the same gentlemen 
petitioned the House against the return of the old 
members, upon the same grounds, when the chairman, 
(Mr. Bromley,) reported from the committee " That 
the right of election was agreed to be in the bailiffs 
and burgesses," but they did not agree how they were 
qualified to be burgesses. The committee afterwards 
came to the following decision " That all the sons of 
freemen of this Borough have a right to their free- 
dom,'' and " that the petitioners are duly elected." 

In 1705, Sir Hardolph Wasteneys, Bart, and Robert 
Molesworth, Esq. petitioned against the return of Sir 
Willoughby Hickman, Bart, and William Levinz, Esq. 
who had been elected on the assumption of the last 
parliamentary committee, — " that all the sons of free- 
men have a right to their freedom." Mr. Compton 
(the chairman) reported " That the right of election 
was agreed to be in the bailiffs and burgesses, or free- 
men." The points were, 1st. Who had a right to the 
freedom? And 2ndly. What power the Corporation 
has to make persons, living out of the Borough, free, 
by redemption ? The counsel for the petitioners, to 



Contested (flection*, 55 



prove the custom of the Borough making foreigners 
free, produced the following ordinance agreed upon by 
the Corporation immediately after the granting of the 
last charter, dated September 6th, of the sixth of 
James the first. 

" It is ordered, established, and decreed, that all and 
every such as shall he made free within the town by 
redemption, shall compound and agree with Mr. Bai- 
liffs, and the aldermen of the town for their freedom, 
And that no foreigner shall he made free by redemption 
under 20*. to be paid to the town's chamber : 20d. to 
Mr. Bailiifs ; 20d. to the chamberlains ; 12d. to the de- 
puty steward or town clerk ; 8d. to the sergeant at 
mace; and I2d. to the relief of the poor, and that at 
the next court, after the said freedom granted, the 
party shall be brought in by the chamberlains, and 
there take the oath appointed for that purpose." Also 
another ordinance made in 1624, — " for disabling the 
burgesses to vote at any election or elections whatso- 
ever within the Borough, who shall remove his dwelling 
out of the Borough, and continue so for one whole year, 
provided in case he did return again, and live within 
the Borough, he should vote, while he lived therein." 
After considerable deliberations the committee came 
to the following resolution, " That the right of electing 
burgesses, to serve ill Parliament for this borough, is 
ill such freemen only, as have a right to their freedom 
by birth, as eldest sons of freemen, or by serving 



56 ffiteiorj} *l Mttlovti. 

seven years apprenticeship, or have it by redemption, 
whether inhabiting or not inhabiting, in the said Bo- 
rough, at the time of their being made free." They 
also declared the election of the sitting members to be 
void, and the petitioners to be duly elected. 

Another petition was presented by WilJoughby Hick- 
man and Brian Cooke, Esqrs. in 1710, against the re- 
turn of Thomas White and Thomas Westby, Esqrs. 
The Committee reported to the same effect as in the 
preceding case, with exception of the words "not in- 
habiting," and unseated the members, declaring that 
the petitioners were duly elected. 

At the general election, in 1796, William Petrie, 
Esq. Sir Wharton Amcotts, and John Blackburn, Esq. 
were candidates, when the two former, for obvious 
reasons, were declared duly elected, the state of the 
poll being 

For William Petrie, Esq 82 

Sir Wharton Amcotts, Bart... .68 
John Blackburn, Esq 60 

This issue being in opposition to the views of the 
Corporate Body, it was determined to make a number 
of redemption freemen, to counterbalance the influence 
obtained by the "lovers of independence," and thirty- 
eight of the most respectable inhabitants of the town 
were sworn in as honorary freemen. 

This measure led to a long and expensive law suit, 
at the head of which was a person of the name of 



Ctmtestetf (flection^ 57 

Bowles, who brought the question respecting the power 
of the bailiffs and aldermen to make these honorary 
burgesses, by quo warranto, into the Court of King's 
Bench, when, in consequence of the junior Bailiff n6t 
having assented to the measure at the time when they 
were admitted as freemen, they were all determined to be 
illegal, and judgment of ouster was issued against five 
aldermen, and the whole number of honorary freemen. 
At the next general election in 1802, Mr. Bowles 
came forward, and, from the victory which he had 
achieved in favour of " birthright and servitude/' was 
quite confident of success. But alas ! how short sight- 
ed is man, and how unstable are all terrestrial con- 
cerns-. Mr. Bowles, and his friend Mr. Bonham, soon 
found out to their cost, that no less than forty-five 
individuals who had promised them their support and 
interest, actually voted for the other candidates, who 
were both of them proposed by the individual who had 
been the chief promoter of initiating the honorary bur- 
gesses. Here we have a fine specimen of the gratitude 
evinced by the supporters of "birthright and servi- 
tude/' to one who had put himself at their head, fought 
their battles, and eventually succeeded in overturning 
all the machinations of those to whom they were po- 
litically opposed. Mr. Oldfield laments that he could 
not furnish his readers with a list of their names, as a 
beacon to warn future candidates from becoming a 
prey to such fraud and treachery ; under this disad- 



58 ?£?t$tori> oi Mttiovlf. 

vantage I do not labour, but as tbe finger of public 
scorn has already been pointed at them, I refrain from 
printing the list of such worthless characters. The 
state of the poll was as under, — 

For Robert Crawford, Esq 85 

John J affray, Esq 77 

William Bowles, Esq 65 

Henry Bonham, Esq. .. . , 59 

The unlooked-for issue of this contest laid the foun- 
dation of a petition to the House of Commons, ground- 
ed upon a charge against John Thornton and George 
Barker, gent, for having as the petitioners stated, usurp- 
ed the office of bailiffs, and illegally admitted several to 
their freedom who had no right, and rejected several 
who had a right, and who claimed to be admitted. The 
chairman of the committee reported in favour of the 
sitting members. 

At the next general election in 1806, three candi- 
dates offered themselves, these were General Robert 
Crawford, Thomas Hughan,Esq. and Sir John Ingilby, 
Bart, when the two former were declared duly elected. 
This Parliament was but of short duration, and on a 
change of ministry taking place early in the ensuing 
year, its usual concomitant — a general election, was 
again the order of the day. Three candidates pre- 
sented themselves to the burgesses, namely, Gene- 
ral Charles Crawford, W. Ingilby, Esq. and Thomas 
Hughan, Esq. when the two former were returned, the 
state of the poll being, 



Conte^tetf «Hertton& 



For General Crawford, S8 

William Ingilby, Esq 77 

Thomas Hughan, Esq 75 

The jockeyship displayed on this occasion was very 
little inferior to that at Bowles's election ; the " inde- 
pendents !" however returned one of their own choice, 
but hoiv, or by what means, is quite another matter. 
Gratitude and integrity were sadly out of fashion ! 

From the vicinity of Retford to the domains of 
several illustrious noblemen, it might be expected 
some of them would put in a kind of claim for the suf- 
frages of the burgesses. Accordingly some of the 
Dukes of Newcastle have possessed considerable influ- 
ence here, which has given great umbrage, and been 
strongly animadverted upon by those politically oppo- 
sed to that party. But I would ask, Has the Borough 
been better represented since tliat time when, as Old- 
field states, " the independent party had the triumph 
of returning both members against the Duke of New- 
castle's interest V 3 Have the burgesses been less sub- 
ject to corruption and bribery under their new patron ? 
And, do they not generally regret being led away by 
the specious arguments of such men as Mr. Oldfield ? 
He, who in speaking of the acts and sentiments of the 
" Newcastle party '* merely because they were tories, 
and opposed to the political dogmas of the party whose 
advocate he was, could at once sanction a candidate 
recommended by Earl Fitzwilliam, — nay further, could 

i 2 



60 W*tov$ *t a&eifortf, 

not see the least harm in a whig nobleman nominating 
both the members for a Borough, with whom he had 
not the remotest connection, and in which he never ex- 
pended a single shilling. Against the venerable Earl 
Fitzwilliam, the writer begs leave to disclaim all ani- 
mosity, believing his Lordship to be a most upright 
and amiable nobleman ; nevertheless he is. bound by a 
sense of justice to refute the imputations put forth by 
Mr. Oldfiekl ; because, if one nobleman's interference 
was blameable, so was the other; if censure was due 
to one, it w T as equally so to the other, bearing in mind 
the old adage that " what is sauce for the goose is 
sauce for the gander/ ' 

THE ELECTION OF 1826. 

Since the contest of 1802, interference of parliament 
has never been called for, until the year 1828* For seve- 
ral months previous to, and during the election, party 
spirit was greatly excited against those burgesses who 
had promised their votes to Sir R. L. Dundas, and 
W. B. Wrightson, Esq. (who were opposed by Sir H. 
Wilson) so much so, that all civil authority was com- 
pletely set at defiance, and the town overawed by a 
lawless and infuriated mob, whose zeal for the success 
of their favourite, prompted them to commit the most 
unjustifiable acts of outrage against all those who fa- 
voured, or were suspected of favouring the opposite 
party. On the day of election it was considered ne- 



€{>e (gltttion oi 1826. 61 

cessary by the municipal authorities, in order to secure 
the peace of the town, to call in the assistance of the 
military (who had previously been stationed at Gam- 
ston and Barnby Moor,) which had the effect contem- 
plated by those who authorized the measure, and pre- 
vented the mob from putting their threats into actual 
execution. 

The election took place on Friday, the 9th of June, 

1826, and was adjourned at four o'clock to the follow- 
ing day : but when the court opened, in consequence of 
the military having been called in, on the previous 
evening, after the close of the poll, and being then sta- 
tioned in the immediate neighbourhood, Sir H. W.Wil- 
son protested against the whole of the proceedings, 
and declared it to be his determination to bring the 
matter before a committee of the House of Commons 
as soon as an opportunity presented itself. The state 
of the poll at its close was as follows. — 

For William Battie Wrightson, Esq... 120 

Sir Robert L. Dundas, Kt 118 

Sir Henry W. Wilson, Kt 53 

Thus matters rested until the beginning of February, 

1827, when Parliament assembled ; Sir H. W. Wilson 
having entered into the recognizances usual upon such 
occasions,, a committee was appointed to decide the 
question and report to the House. On the 4th 
of April they commenced with the examination of 
witnesses, and continued during the 5th, 6th, 7th, 
9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th, when the case closed, 



62 l&fetorj) oi Mtttov*. 

and the chairman (C. C. Western, Esq.) reported on 
the 1st of May, that the committee had determined 
that the sitting members were not duly elected ; that 
the election was void ; but that the allegation contain- 
ed in the petition, against the returning officer was 
frivolous and vexatious. The chairman also stated 
" That the committee considered it their duty to direct 
the serious attention of the House to the corrupt state 
of the borough of East Retford. It appeared also to 
the committee, from the evidence of several witnesses, 
that, at elections of burgesses to serve in Parliament 
for this Borough, that it had been a notorious, long- 
continued, and general practice for the electors who 
voted for the successful candidates, to receive the sum 
of twenty guineas from each of them, so that those 
burgesses who voted for both the members have cus- 
tomarily received forty guineas for such exercise of 
their elective franchise, and that an expectation pre- 
vailed in the Borough that this custom would be acted 
upon at the last election, although they had not suffici- 
ent proof that such expectation was encouraged by the 
candidates then returned/ ' He also requested to move 
" That the report, with the evidence taken before the 
committee, be printed ; and that the Speaker do not 
issue his writ for the return of two burgesses to serve 
in Parliament for this Borough until the same shall 
have been taken into the consideration of the House/' 
On the 11th of June, 1827, the order of the day for 



&%z (Sltttwn oi 1826. 63 

the consideration of the above report being read, — Mr. 
Tennyson moved, and, after considerable discussion, 
the House of Commons resolved, — " That the corrupt 
state of the Borough of East Retford required the se- 
rious attention of the House." On the same day Mr # 
Tennyson obtained leave to bring in a Bill "for exclu- 
ding the Borough of East Retford from electing bur- 
gesses to serve in Parliament, and to enable the town 
of Birmingham to return two representatives in lieu 
thereof/' 

On the 22nd of the same month, this Bill was read 
a second time, but in consequence of the approaching 
prorogation (which took place on the 9 th of July,) the 
subject was postponed to the next session ; and on the 
29th of June, the issue of the writ to East Retford 
was suspended accordingly. 

On the 31st of January, 182S, the Bill was again 
introduced by Mr. Tennyson, and on the 25th of Feb- 
ruary was read a second time, and ordered to be com- 
mitted ; several witnesses were also summoned to attend 
the committee on the 3rd of March. 

On the 3rd, 4th, and 7th of March, the committee 
examined evidence in support of the Bill, and heard 
counsel against it; and on the 10th the committee 
went through the Bill, pro forma, and reported it to 
the House. 

Mr. Tennyson on the 21st of March, moved the re- 
committal of the Bill, on the ground that the case 



64 W*tov& oi MtHovtf. 

against the Borough had been established, to which 
motion the House agreed ; but on the question — that 
the Speaker should leave the chair, Mr. Nicholson 
Calvert moved — " That it be an instruction to the 
committee, that they have power to make provision for 
the prevention of bribery and corruption in the election 
of members to serve in Parliament for the Borough of 
East Retford, by extending the right of voting to the 
forty-shilling freeholders of the Hundred of Basset- 
law." 

After debate, the House agreed to the instruction : 

Ayes, 157 

Noes, 121 

Majority, 36 

Mr. Tennyson afterwards moved the postponement 
of the committee from time to time, on the ground 
that, — as several members had appeared to agree to 
the instruction voted on the 25th of March, because it 
was proposed by the Bill for the disfranchisement of 
the Borough of Penryn, to transfer the elective fran- 
chise from that Borough to Manchester, it was expe- 
dient to delay the East Retford Bill until it could be 
ascertained whether the House of Lords would agree 
to that transfer. 

On the 14th of May, the Earl of Carnarvon, who had 
the management, in the House of Lords, of the Bill for 
disfranchising Penryn, stated in his place, after evi- 
dence had been heard in support of it, that the nature 



€£e mutton of 1S26. 65 

of that evidence was not such as would justify him in 
proposing to transfer the elective franchise from Pen- 
ryn to Manchester, but that he should probably pro- 
pose to open the right of voting to the freeholders of 
the adjacent Hundreds. 

Accordingly, on the 19th of May, Mr. Tennyson 
moved the recommittal of the East Retford Bill in the 
House of Commons. Thereupon the House resolved 
itself into a committee, and Mr. N. Calvert, with the 
view of giving effect to the instruction of the 25th of 
March, moved, in the first place, to omit that portion 
of the preamble which recited the expediency of entire- 
ly excluding East Retford from returning representa- 
tives, and of substituting the town of Birmingham. 

After a debate, in which Mr. N. Calvert, Mr. Ten- 
nyson, Mr. Lumley, Mr. Alderman Waithman, Lord 
Rancliffe, Sir George Phillips, Mr. Secretary Peel, Mr. 
Littleton, Mr. Stanley, Mr. Sturges Bourne, Lord Vis- 
count Sandon, Mr. Secretary Huskisson, Lord William 
Powlett, and Mr. Williams Wynn, took part, the com- 
mittee divided, when the numbers were : 

In favour of Mr. Calvert's motion, . . 145 
Against it, 127 

Majority, 18 

After this division, Mr. Calvert proposed to substi- 
tute for the words omitted in the preamble the words 
following : — 

" And whereas such bribery and corruption is likely 
k 



66 W*tov$ ot ZBittiovV. 

to continue to be practised in the said Borough in 
future, unless some means are taken to prevent the 
same ; in order, therefore, to prevent such unlawful 
practices for the future, and that the said borough 
may henceforth be duly represented in parliament, &c." 
whereupon Mr. Secretary Huskisson moved, that all 
the words of the proposed amendment, after the word 
" future," be omitted. 

Upon which it was moved and agreed, that the chair- 
man should report progress, and ask leave to sit again 
on Monday the 2nd of June. 

During the protracted debate which took place this 
evening, it was quite evident that either a misunder- 
standing, or a division, existed amongst the members of 
his Majesty's government, which in the sequel proved 
to be correct. Mr. Huskisson, on leaving the House 
of Commons, and in the heat of the moment, wrote to 
the Duke of Wellington, resigning (though in terms 
somewhat ambiguous) his situation as Secretary of 
State for the Colonial Department ; this letter, the 
Duke thought proper to lay before his Majesty, and 
thus, as a late writer justly remarks, "before he 
knew where he was, he was out of office." 

The resignation of Mr. Huskisson, was followed by 
the secession of some of his colleagues, consequently 
when the House assembled on the 2nd of June, long 
explanations were entered into (a recapitulation of 
which is unnecessary in this place) and the House 



CSe dilution at 1826. 67 

afterwards went into a committee on the .Bill, when 
Mr. Huskisson again moved as an amendment that all 
the words after the word " future " be left out, on this 
the committee divided, 

For the original motion, 238 

For the amendment, 152 

Majority, ]06 

In another division, on the question of adjournment, 
the numbers were, 

For the adjournment, 221 

Against it, 24 

Majority, 19T 

After this division a desultory conversation took 
place, in which Sir John Sebright, Lord Nugent, Mr. 
Baring, Mr. Calvert, Mr. Tennyson, Mr. Spring Rice, 
Mr. Secretary Peel, and Lord Normanby, took part : 
Mr. Tennyson moved that the Bill he read that day 
six months, in opposition to that day se'nnight, when 
the Speaker stated that the honourable member was 
out of order, as the reading of the Bill that day six 
months would be tantamount to defeating It altogether. 
On the 24th of June, Mr. Calvert moved for leave 
to bring in a Bill to disqualify certain voters of this 
Borough from voting in future for members to serve in 
parliament. On the question being put the House 
divided 

For the motion, .74 

Against it, .. 26 

^Majority,... ...... ...48 

k 2 



68 W*tOV$ Ot &ttf0V%. 

On the 26th, Mr. Calvert brought in the Bill, which 
was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second 
time on the 11th of July. A copy of the Bill, and 
notice of the intention to read it a second time, was 
ordered to be served upon the individuals whom it pro- 
posed to disfranchise. 

On the 27th of June, Mr. Calvert moved the order 
of the day for the further consideration of the report, 
and in the discussion which followed, considerable 
warmth of temper was displayed on both sides of the 
House ; several divisions were created by Mr. Tenny- 
son and his friends, tending to defeat the measure, 
and, if possible, the ministry. The numbers on the 
respective divisions were as follows, — 

First Division. — On Mr. Tennyson's motion to post- 
pone the measure until the next session: — 

For the motion, 42 

Against it, .. 72 

Majority against it, 30 

Second Division. — On Lord Ho wick's motion, that 
it be an instruction to the committtee to give the two 
members to Yorkshire ; each Riding to return two 
members : — 

Ayes, 17 

Noes, 95 

Majority against it, 78 
Third Division. — On Mr. Alderman Wood's mo- 
tion, in committee, to put an end to the Bill altogether:- 



CBe election ol 1826. 69 

Ayes — 15 

Noes, 95 

Majority, 80 

Fourth Division. — -On Lord John Russell's motion, 

for the absolute disfranchisement of East Retford: — 

For the motion, 43 

Against it, 1 08 

Majority,.. 65 

On the 1 1th of July, the order of the day being read, 
for receiving the report of the committee, Mr. Calvert 
moved that it he deferred to that day se'nnight ; and 
should the House be then sitting, he would move a 
further postponement so as to carry the Bill over the 
session. 

The order of the day was also read for the second read- 
ing of the Freemen's disqualification Bill ; Mr. Calvert, 
desiring that the two Bills should keep pace with each 
other, moved that it be read that day three months, 
which was agreed to. He likewise gave notice of his 
intention to move that the issuing of a writ for this 
Borough be deferred till next session. 

On the 25th of July, Mr. Tennyson gave notice that 
he would, early in the next sessions, move for leave to 
bring in two Bills, one for the absolute disfranchise- 
ment of East Retford, and the other for transferring 
the franchise to Birmingham. On the 28th, the House 
adjourned. 

Thus this question, which has been the fertile source 



70 %ttt0r.8-"ot Mttiavtf. 

of so many angry contentions during this session, is 
still left undecided, to embroil the discussions of the 
next. It is, however, generally understood that minis- 
ters have come to a determination to extend the fran- 
chise to the Hundred of Bassetlaw. Indeed the state- 
ment of Mr. Peel, in the House of Commons, appears 
to be decisive on this particular head ; speaking of the 
discussions which took place on the 19th of May, he 
observes, ''On that night I came down to the House with 
the full impression that it was fully agreed amongst my 
colleagues, that the resolution proposed by the Hon. 
Member for Hertford (Mr. N. Calvert,) should be by 
all of them strictly adhered to/' This declaration may 
be considered as definitely deciding the fate of the 
Borough ; although if we look at some administrations 
lately constituted, we certainly possess no i( guarantee'' 
for their existence from one session to another. 

LIST OF REPRESENTATIVES. 

The catalogue of successive representatives can 
but be imperfectly traced, in most of the ancient cities, 
boroughs, &c. of this kingdom, in consequence of the 
defective state of the Journals of the House of Com- 
mons during some reigns, and in others, of their being 
entirely lost. With respect to Retford, however, I have 
been enabled to overcome this difficulty, and to present 
the reader with a correct list of the returns ever since 
that privilege was allowed the Borough, in the time of 



3tt£i of Mt$vt$zntztibt&. 71 

Edward the second. In collecting the following list, 
I have had reference to " Prynne's Brevia Parliamen- 
tarian and *' { fVillis's Notitia Parliamentarian and 
through the kindness of a particular friend in London, 
I have completed the whole from the Journals of the 
House of Commons, so that its correctness and authen- 
ticity may be fully relied upon. 

EDWARD II. 

1315 — Rogerus Godde, and Jonathan Jurden. * 

ELIZABETII. 

1571 — Henry Draycot. Thomas Broxholme, Gent. 
1572 — Job Throckmorton, Esq. George Delves/Esq. 
1585 — Denzil Holies, Esq. Thomas Wade, Esq. 
1586 — Denzil Holies, Esq. John Conyers, Esq. 
1588 — Geo. Chaworth,Esq. Alexander Radeliffe,Esq, 
1592 — Roger Poclington, Esq. Anthony Cook, Esq, 
1597 — Roger Poclington, Esq. John Roose, Esq. 
1601 — Roger Mannours, jun. Esq. Rt. Redman, Gent. 

JAMES I. 

1603 — Sir John Thornhaugh, Knight Sir Thomas 

Dayrill, Knight. 
1614— Sir Nathan Rich, Kt. Sir Rd. Williamson, Kt. 
1620— Sir Nathan Rich, Kt. Edward Worsley, Esq. 
1623— John Holies, Esq. Sir Nathan Rich, Kt. t 

* This Parliament was held at Lincoln, and commenced its 
sitting on the 28th of January. 

f The year following, Sir Nathan Rich was elected for the 
Borough of Harwich, and John Darcy, Esq. elected in his place. 



72 ^fetorp oi MetfmU 

CHARLES I. 

1 625 — John, Lord Haughton. Sir Francis Wortley,Bt. 
1626 — John, Lord Haughton. Sir Francis Wortley,Bt. 
j 627 — John, Lord Haughton. Sir Francis Wortley,Bt. 
1640— Sir Gervase Clifton, Bt. Francis Pierponte, Esq. 
1640 — Sir Gervase Clifton, Bt. Charles, Viscount 

Mansfield.* 
1645 — Sir Wm. Lister, Kt. Fras. Thornhaugh, Esq.t 

* On the 22nd of January, 1643, Charles, Viscount Mansfield, 
eldest son of William, Earl of Newcastle, was disabled, for 
deserting: the service of the House, being in the king's quarters 
and adhering to that party. — Sir Gervase Clifton was disabled 
on the 1st January, 1645. 

f Mr. Thornhaugh died the 18th of November, 1648, and in 
May, 1649, — Neville, Esq. was returned. 

Mr. Thornhaugh was the eldest son of Sir Francis Thorn- 
haugh, Bart, and during the civil wars was a firm adherent of 
the parliamentary party. Mrs. Hutchinson, in the life of her 
husband says, that " a man of greater vallour or more noble 
daring fought not for them, nor indeed ever drew sword in any 
cause ; he was of a most excellent good nature to all men, and 
zealous for his friend ; he wanted council and deliberation, and 
was sometimes to facile to flatterers, but had judgement enough 
to discerne his errors when they were represented to him, and 
worth enough not to presist in an injurious mistake because he 
had once entertained it." He was killed by a scotch lance at 
the battle of Preston Pans, on 18th of November, 1648; "he 
was carried off the field " says the same historian, " by some of 
his owne men, while the rest, enraged for the lost of their dear 
collonell, fought not that day like men of human race : deafe to 
the cries of every coward that askil mercy, they kilPd alJ, and 




%i&t oi Mt$vt*tntztibt&. 73 

THE COMMONWEALTH. 

The only members returned from Nottingham- 
shire during these three Parliaments, were 
two for the county, and two for the town 
of Nottingham. 
1 659— Clifford Clifton, Esq. Wm. Cartwright, Esq. 

CHARLES II. 

1660 — Wm. Hickman, Esq. Wentworth Fitzgerald, 

Earl of Kildare. 
1661 — Wm, Hickman, Esq. Thos. Fitzgerard, Esq. 
1679 — Sir Edwd. Nevile, Bt. Wm. Hickman, Esq. 
1679— Sir Edwd. Nevile, Bt. Wm. Hickman, Esq. 
1681— Sir Edwd. Nevile, Bt. Wm. Hickman, Esq. 

JAMES n. 

1685— Sir Edwd. Neville, Bt. John Millington, Esq. 
1688 — Evelyn Pierrepoint,Esq. John Thornhaugh, Esq. 

WILLIAM AND MARY. 

1690 — Evelyn Pierrepoint,Esq. John Thornhaugh, Esq. 
1695 — John Thornhaugh, Esq. Richard Taylor, Esq. 

would not that a captive should live to see their collonell die ; 
but say'd the whole kingdom of Scotland was too meane a sacri- 
fice for that brave man." She continues, " his soule was hover- 
ing to take her flight out of his body, but that an eager desire 
to know the success of that battle, kept it within, till the end of 
the day, when the newes being brought him, he cleared his 
dying countenance, and say'd, " I now rej ice to die, since God 
hath let me see the overthrow of this perfidious enemy, I could 
not lose my life in a better cause, and I have the favour from 
God to see my blood avenged." Having so said he immediate- 
ly expired. 

L 



74 W*t*v$ *t Mcttovlt. 

1698 — Sir Willoughby Hickman, Bt. William Levinz, 

Esq. 
1700 — Sir Willoughby Hickman, Bt. John Thornhaugh. 

Esq. 
1701 — Sir Willoughby Hickman, Bt. JohnThornhaugh, 

Esq. 

ANNE. 

1 702 — Sir Willoughby Hickman, Bt. William Levinz, 
Esq. 

1705 — Sir Hardolph Wasteneys, Bt. Robert Moles- 
worth, Esq. 

1708— Thomas White, Esq. William Levinz, Esq. 

1710 — Willoughby Hickman, Esq. Brian Cooke, Esq. 

1713 — Francis Lewis, Esq. John Digby, Esq. 

GEORGE I. 

1715 — John Digby, Esq. Thomas White, Esq. 
1721 — Thomas White, Esq. Patrick Chaworth, Esq. 

GEORGE II. 

1728— Thomas White, Esq.* Sir Robert Clifton, Bt. 
1735— John White, Esq. Sir Robert Clifton, Bt. 
1741— John White, Esq. William Mellish, Esq.t 

* Mr. White died in 1372, and his son John White, Esq. was 
elected in his stead. 

f This gentleman resided at Blyth, and in early life was be- 
trothed to a Jewess, of considerable property, but which, by a 
curious clause in the will of her father, her husband could not 
inherit until chosen Member of Parliament. Accordingly he 
offered himself for Retford, and, as a matter of course, was 
anxious to succeed in his endeavours. On the morning the 
election took place, he brought two different coloured horses to 



3Ltst of JfUpregentattfos. 75 

1747 — William Mellish, Esq. John Shelley, Esq. 
1754 — John White, Esq. John Shelley, Esq. 

GEORGE nr. 
1761— John White, Esq. John Shelley, Esq. 
1768— Sir Cecil Wray, Bt. John Offiey, Esq. 
1774— Sir Cecil Wray, Bt. Hon. William Hanger 
1780 — Wharton Amcotts, Esq. Right Hon. Lord 

J. P. Clinton 
1784 — Wharton Amcotts, Esq. The Earl of Lincoln 
1790 — Sir John Ingilby, Bart. William Henry 

Clinton, Esq. 
1796 — William Petrie,Esq. Sir Wharton Amcotts, Bt. 
1802 — Robert Crawford, Esq. John Jaffray, Esq. 
1806 — Robert Crawford, Esq. Thomas Hughan, Esq. 
1 807 — William Ingilby, Esq. General Chas. Crawford 
1812 — George Osbaldeston,Esq. Charles Marsh, Esq. 
1818 — William Evans, Esq. Samuel Crompton, Esq. 

GEORGE IV. 

1820 — William Evans, Esq. Samuel Crompton, Esq. 
1826 — Sir Robert Dundas, Knight. William Battie 
Wrightson, Esq. 

Retford, the one, grey, the other, bay ; by means of which he 
was to send information of the result : if chosen, the grey one, 
if not, the other. There being no opposition he was elected, 
and immediately dispatched a messenger on the grey horse j 
his lady, anxious for the success of her lord, was keeping a sharp 
look out for the signal, on discovering which, she was so over- 
joyed that she fell into hysterics, and in the course of two or 
three days actually died from the effects. 

L 2 



CHAP. V. 

attttquftg of fyt ©ffire of 33atltff— Batltflfe an* 
mtstvmtrt of 1607— 3lfet of SSatUff* from 1700— 
Present JSoftg Corporate, &r* 



ANTIQUITY OF THE OFFICE OF BAILIFF. 

The term bailiff is derived from the French bayliff, 
that is, prcefectus provincice, and as the name, so the 
office, was answerable to that of France. In ancient 
times the administration of justice devolved upon 
certain individuals, appointed by the reigning monarch, 
who upon taking the office were generally desig- 
nated the king's bailiffs; other persons also, to whom 
were committed the keeping of the king's castles, were 
usually termed bailiffs, as, the bailiff of Dover Castle, 
&c. &c. besides these instances just noted, another, and 
almost the only one now remaining, was generally dis- 
tinguished with that title, viz. the chief magistrates of 
cities and boroughs, some of whom, by charter, are 
now designated by that of mayor, whilst many others 
retain the title of bailiff to the present time ; amongst 
which Retford may be classed as one. 



^nttquttg xrf tbt ®Sitt ot SSatltff, 77 

At what period this title was first claimed by, or 
bestowed upon, the magistrates of this Borough is un- 
known ; certain it is, however, that it was previous to 
the thirteenth century. In the charter of James I. it is 
stated that the burgesses had been known sometimes 
by the name of bailiffs and burgesses, sometimes by 
the name of burgesses, and sometimes by other names ; 
which information would lead us to conclude that no 
certain cognomen was applied until the granting of the 
charter just alluded to; indeed the term mayor, and 
major, is not unfrequently mentioned in several of the 
ancient records, but whether applied from authority 
or allowed by courtesy, I am unable to certify ; at the 
granting of that charter, however, this was set at rest, 
and since that period they have invariably retained 
the name. 

At the commencement of my labours it was my in- 
tention to have given a succession of magistrates from 
the year 1607, but finding that to be impossible, from 
various causes, over which I had no controul, I am 
only enabled to present the names of those for that 
year, and of the individuals who were nominated alder- 
men* of the Borough, by the ordinances appended to 
the charter. 



* Alderman, from the Saxon ealderman, or senior. Amongst 
the Saxons, this was applied as one of the degrees of nobility, 
and signified an Earl, but it literally imports no more than 
« elder^ 



78 W*tQV$ 0t &ttf0V%. 

BAILIFFS AND ALDERMEN OF 1607. 

William Thornton, Senior Bailiff. 
Nicholas Watson, Junior Bailiff. 

ALDERMEN. 

Robert Wharton, Gent. Richard Parnell, Gent. 

Thos. Tupman, Gent. Robert Stokeham, Gent. 

Henry Mason, Gent. William Bellamy, Gent. 

John Jepson, Gent. Francis Barker, Gent. 
Richard Osam, Gent. and 

Henry Parnell, Gent. Martin Taylor, Gent. 

LIST OF BAILIFFS FROM 1700. 

The following are the names of the bailiffs from 
1700 to 1828, with notice of particular events, local 
and general, arranged under the years in which the 
several occurrences took place. 

1700 Edward Jackson and William Peete 

1701 William Bellamy and John Reynolds 

1702 John Reynolds and Jonathan Lidgett 

1703 Francis Dunston and Edward Thompson 

1704 William Booth and Thomas Wright 

1705 Jonathan Lidgett and Joseph Granger 

1706 Edward Jackson and John Marr 

1707 Jacob Mason and Thomas West 

1708 Unknown 

1709 Unknown 

1710 Edward Jackson and William Golland 

1711 Thomas West and Rado Hepwell 



%i$t oi 28atltffs tram 1700. 79 

Thomas West and Rado Hepwell 

Unknown 

William Booth and John Riley 

William Peete and Edward Jackson 

Edward Jackson and Thomas Neves 

John Booth and Edward Pickering 

Dohson Jackson and George Booth 

William Peete and Edward Fossist 

Thomas Wright and Thomas Buxton 

Unknown 

Unknown 

Dobson Jackson and John Holsking 

Thomas West and Ri<5hard Cottam 

Thomas Wright and Thomas Buxton 

Matthew Bradshaw and Thomas Rose 

Thomas Hodson and John Wright 

John Hodson and Thomas Wright 

Robert Atkin and Richard Jackson 

Unknown 

Edward Jackson and Richard Smith 

John Riley and John Bower 

Richard Jackson and John Harrison 

Dobson Jackson and John Parker 

Thomas Buxton and Benjamin Cromwell 

Robert Atkin and Robert Whitlam 

John Parker and Jonathan Bean 

1738 Thomas West and Edward Taylor 

1739 Richard Jackson and James Booth 



80 ^tetm*}) of a&etfortr* 

1740 Dobson Jackson and James Mason 

1741 John Booth and John Mason 

1742 Thomas West and James Stenton 

1743 Thomas Wright and John Williamson 

1 744 John Mason and John Parker 

1745 William Goodall and John Bristow 

This year the rebellion in Scotland, and the 
battle of Culloden, took place. An army of 
6000 English and Hessians encamped upon 
Wheatley Hills ; the soldiers on marching 
through here soon after, made a stable of the 
church for their horses. 

1746 John Kirke and Francis Goodall 

1747 James Mason and Benjamin Allison 

1748 Benjamin Cromwell and John Wheat 

Peace between England, France, and Spain, 
proclaimed in February. 

1749 Thomas Buxton and Robert Moody 

Earthquakes felt in London on the 8th of 
February, and the 8th of March. 

1750 John Harrison and William Bailey 

On the 23rd of August, the shock of an 
earthquake as felt here, about seven in the 
morning ; the day was remarkably calm both 
before and after the shock. 

1751 Benjamin Allison and Joseph Wright 

1752 Thomas West and William Smith 

The style and calendar altered on the 2nd 



%{$t oi SSatliff* from 1700. 81 

of September. The roof of the nave of the 
church was found to be in a very defective 
state*; a new one was put on, and a rate of 
7*. in the pound was laid on the parish to de- 
fray the expense. The rate amounted to 
£161. Os. 8d. The top of the bridge over 
the river Idle, laid with new planks. 
John Mason and George Popplewell 

First sheep market held in this Borough, 
29th September. The junior bailiff's mace re- 
gilt. 
Thomas West and Clifton Woolby 

This year the charter of James I. was trans- 
lated by order of the Corporation. 
Benjamin Cromwell and William Kirke 

The town-hall re-built. Lisbon totally de- 
stroyed by an earthquake. 
John Parker and John Bright 

An act of parliament passed for making the 
river Idle navigable to Stockwith. 
John Bright and John Bingley 

The militia raised. 
John Mason and John Hurst 

The expenses of re-building the town-hall 
ascertained to be £1773. 19s. Id. 
William Smith and John Booth 

Land marks ordered to be set up at the 

31 



82 W*tox$ ol Mttisxn. 

boundaries of the estates belonging to the Cor- 
poration. 

1760 John Bingley and Edward Brown* 

1761 John Hurst and John Booth 

1762 Benjamin Cram well and John Barker 

1763 Edward Brown and Thomas Brumby 

1764 John Mason and John Storrs 

1765 William Smith and Fretwell Hudson 

1766 John Bingley and John Taylor 

1767 John Hurst and William Gylby 

1768 William Kirke and Robert Sutton, Esqrs. 

1769 George Popplewell and Sampson Mosman 

1770 John Bright and Michael Sampson 

1771 John Booth and Richard Hutchinson 

The paper mill in the occupation of Mr. 
Brumby, pulled down and re-built. 
1 77*2 John Taylor and James Booth 

The position of the door in the south wing^ 
of the church was altered to its present situa- 
ation. Calicoes first made in Lincolnshire. 

1773 Robert Sutton, Esq. and David Wheelwright 

The roof of the chancel was considerably re- 
paired at the expense of the parish. 

1774 Benjamin Cromwell and John Kirke, Esq. 

July 23rd, Robert Sutton, Esq. resigned the 
office of senior bailiff, and Alderman John Booth 
elected in his stead. 

1775 Sampson Mosman and John Thornton, Sen. 



%i&t oi Bailiff* tvom 1700. 83 

Robert Sutton, Esq. resigned his alderman- 
ship, September 13th. 

Thomas Brumby, Sen. and John Thornton, Jun. 
John Bright and Edmund Kirke, Esqrs. 

The whole of the streets repaved. 
John Thornton, Sen. and Thomas Brumby, Jun. 
Richard Hutchinson and Francis Haworth 

John Spencer, a native of North Leverton, 
was executed at Nottingham, on the 26th July, 
for the murder of William Yeadon, and his 
mother, Mary Yeadon, the keepers of Scrooby 
toll-bar, near which place his body was hung 
in chains; the gibbet post still remaining. A 
few weeks after being hung in chains, a party 
of soldiers passed that way, when a serjeant 
fired a musket, loaded with ball, at the body, 
and hit it. As soon as the circumstance was 
known, the soldiers were pursued, and the Ser- 
jeant taken. He was afterwards tried by a 
court martial, and turned into the ranks. 
Edward Brown and John Brumby 
John Barker and Nathaniel Howard 
William Gylby and William Clarke 

The town first publicly lighted with lamps. 
David Wheelwright and Darker Parker 
Robert Moody and James Marr 
John Parker and John Fell 
John Thornton, Jun. and John Ghest 
m 2 



84 Wztnvp oi ftttfrrtt; 



An attempt made to assassinate his Majesty 
by Margaret Nicholson. 

1787 Sampson Mosman and Thomas Hall 

Three new chandeliers placed in the church. 

1788 Thomas Brumby and Edward Brown, Jan. 

1789 John Thornton and John Barker, Jun. 

On the 30th of January, an address of thanks 
was voted unanimously by the Corporation to 
the Right Hon. William Pitt, who by his par- 
liamentary conduct had nobly asserted, and 
strenuously supported, the constitutional rights 
of the Commons of this Realm, to provide the 
means of supplying the defect of the personal 
exercise of the royal authority from the indis^ 
position of his Majesty. 

The address was presented to Mr. Pitt by 
the Duke of Newcastle, Lord High Steward of 
the Borough: the following reply was received 
by the Town Clerk. 

Downing Street, Feb. 3rd, 1789. 
Sir, 

I have had the Honor of receiving from the 

J>uke of Newcastle, a Copy of the Resolution, of the Bailiffs, 
Recorder, and Aldermen of the Town of East Retford, for 
ivhich I beg thro' you to convey my best acknowledgments* 
It gives me great satisfaction to find that the principles on 
tvhich I have felt it my duty to Act in the present unfortunate 
Emergency, meet with their Concurrence and Approbation. 
J am, Sir, 

Your most Obdt. 

and faithful Servant, 






Ittet oi Bailiff* ivom 1700 85 

1790 Darker Parker and Joseph Ginever 

1791 John Booth, Jun. and Joseph Ginever, Jun. 

1792 Edward Brown and George Bailey, Jun. 

1793 Richard Hutchinson and Richard Chappell 

1794 Sampson Mosman and Beaumont Marshall 

1795 Joseph Ginever, Sen. and William Hindley 
At a vestry meeting held on the 25th of 

January, it was resolved to discontinue playing 
the organ, and the salary of the organist to be 
funded for the purpose of erecting a new one. 

1796 John Parker and Thomas Barker 

Thirty-six persons admitted to their freedom 
by redemption. 

1797 David Wheelwright and John Hutchinson 

On the 2nd of November it was resolved at 
a meeting of the Corporation that the stock- 
house or goal, standing in the market-place, 
should be pulled down, and re-built where it 
now stands. 

Mr. Donaldson agreed to put a new organ 
into the old case for one hundred and thirty 
guineas. 

John Milner, was executed at Nottingham 
on the 16th of August, for stealing three cows, 
belonging to Mr. John Vessey, of Rufford. 
After he had hung a few seconds, the knot of 
the rope gave way, and he fell to the ground. 
Upon being raised up and prepared to be hung 



86 W&tM% Ql MtttoxX. 

a second time, he exclaimed, "My God, this 

is hard work!" 
1798 William Clarke and John Ahson 

On the 22nd of March the Corporation voted 

the sum of one hundred pounds per annum to 

government towards the support of the war. 
J 799 Richard Dixon and Thomas Marshall 

1800 Edward Brown and John Thornton 

1801 John Thornton and George Barker 

Michael Denman and William Sykes, both of 
East Retford, were executed at Nottingham on 
the 5th of August, for breaking into the Brown- 
Cow public house, at Mansfield, kept by Mr. 
Bowler, and stealing thereout a sum of money, 
and other articles. 

1802 John Thornton and William Clarke 

1803 Joseph Gi never and Isaac Dean 

William Hill, of Lowndham, was executed at 
Nottingham on the 10th of August, for com- 
mitting a rape (attended with great brutality) 
on Mrs. Sarah Justice, wife of a respectable 
farmer, at Bole, near Gainsbro', on the 28th of 
May, in the same year. 

1804 Joseph Ginever and James Clark 

Change in the administration, and Mr. Pitt 
reinstated as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and 
First Lord of the Treasury. 

1805 Beaumont Marshall and George Thornton 



3Lfet oi JSatltff* from 1700 87 

Robert Powell., a native of Stafford, suffered 
the extreme penalty of the. law, on the 10th of 
April, for robbing the house of James Leemings, 
of Worksop. 

On the 3rd of November, Thomas Otter, of 
Treswell, near Retford, murdered his wife at 
Drinsey Nook, being the evening of the day on 
which they were married. He was tried and 
executed at Lincoln, at the following assizes, 
and his body afterwards hung in chains on 
Saxilby Common, near the place where the 
horrid deed was perpetrated. 

He was malicious and revengeful, and cruel 
to horses and other animals. A remarkable 
instance of which is related of him. Having 
cut out the eyes of a living ass, he made an in- 
cision with his knife in the rump, on each side 
of the tail, and stuck them in ! 
John Thornton, Sen. and Joshua Cottam 
Joseph Ginever and John Mason 
William Clarke and William Golland 

1809 John Thornton, jun. and George Hudson 

1810 George Bailey and Thomas Welch 
William Clarke and John Hudson 
Richard Chappell and George Thornton 
Beaumont Marshall and William Cocking 

This year £50. was subscribed by the Cox- 
poration for the distressed poor in Russia, eon- 



88 W*t*v& *t 3&ettovfc* 

sequent upon the French invasion. 

1814 Joshua Cot tarn and John Dawber 

1815 John Mason and Jonathan Banks 

Battle of Waterloo. 

John Hemstock, alias Black, a native of West I 
Retford, was executed at Nottingham, on the 
23rd of March, for the murder of James Snell, 
at the Whinleys, near Clarborough. His body 
was taken to the General Hospital near Not- 
tingham for dissection ; where his skeleton may 
at present be seen. 

1816 Thomas Welch and William Meekley 

1817 John Kirke, Esq. and William Cottam 

The broad stone removed from the market- 
place, to its present situation. 

1818 John Parker and John Hoult 

1819 Darker Parker and William Cartwright 

1820 William Meekley and William Cartwright 

1821 William Clarke and William Cottam 

1822 John Thornton, Jun. and John Dawber 

Henry Sanderson, a native of Carlton in Lin- 
dric, was executed at Nottingham, on the 22nd 
of March, for the murder of William Carr, 
gamekeeper to Sir Thomas Wollaston White, 
Bart. 

1823 Joshua Cottam and William Cottam 

1824 George Thornton and Thomas Appleby 

1825 George Hudson and John Dawber 



Present 3Sofc*> Corporate* 89 

1828 John Thornton, Sen. and George Bailey. 

Joshua Smith and George Milnes, were exe- 
cuted at Nottingham, on the 26th of July, for 
breaking into the shop of John and Ann Wheat, 
drapers, &c. of Hampton, near this place. 

1827 John Cottam, Sen. and Samuel Hindley 

1828 John Parker and William Elvidgef bailiffs elect) 

PRESENT BODY CORPORATE, ETC. 

The Corporation of East Retford consists of two 
bailiffs, a recorder, a town clerk, and two sergeants at 
mace. The senior bailiff is chosen at nine o'clock in 
the morning on the first monday in August, from 
amongst the aldermen, and the junior bailiff at twelve 
on the same day, from amongst the freemen at large, 
the aldermen nominating two individuals who have pre- 
viously obtained their freedom : their names are then 
communicated to the freemen, and the choice of the 
person to be elected is determined by a majority of 
votes. 

The present Body Corporate is composed of the fol- 
lowing individuals, viz. 

LORD HIGH STEWARD. 

His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, K. G. &c. &c. 

LEARNED STEWARD, (OR RECORDER.) 

James Clinton Fynnes Clinton, Esq. M. P. 

N 



90 l&tSiorg oi aaetfortf* 

John Cottam, Gent. Senior Bailiff. 
Samuel Hindley, Gent. Junior Bailiff. 

ALDERMEN. 

John Parker, Gent. William Meekley, Gent. 

John Thornton, Gent. George Thornton, Gent. 

Darker Parker, Gent. George Hudson, Gent. 

William Clarke, Gent. Francis Dewiek, Gent. 

Joshua Cottam, Gent. Thomas Applehy, Gent. 

DEPUTY STEWARD, (OR TOWN CLERK.) 

Mr. Edward Cromwell Brown. 

SERGEANTS AT MACE. 

Mr. William Pearson. Mr. William Tootell. 

TOWN CRIER. 

Samuel Tomlinson. 

The senior bailiff, the aldermen, and the junior "bailiff 
(during his year of office,) have each a gown, of purple 
cloth, edged with fur, in which they usually appear at 
church, four times in the year. Two very elegant 
maces* wrought of silver, and gilt over, are borne 

* The form of the mace is derived from the may-pole, the 
arches of which springing" from the circlet and meeting together 
at the mound or round ball, resemble the garland necessarily so 
formed to suspend it on the top of the pole. Maces of gold or 
silver were used only by kings, till Edward III. granted their 
use to the mayor of London. All other cities and towns in the 
kingdom being, by a royal precept, expressly commanded not 
to use maces of any other metal than copper. 



present 3Bo*£ Corporate. 91 

before the bailiffs, on these, and other public occasions ; 
one of which (the largest) was presented to the Corpo- 
ration by Sir Edward Nevile, Bart, and on one side 
has the following inscription " Ex dono Edwardi 
Nevile, Milit. fy Bart, de Grove in Comitatu Not- 
ting?iamice." On the obverse, on a shield, a rose, 
surmounted by a lion proper, surrounded by a circle 
on which is engraved " Villa de East Retforde : 1679." 
The lesser one, is considerably older and has no inscrip- 
tion, or other armorial bearing, with the exception of the 
King's Arms, and some emblematical devices, it was 
given to the Corporation by Sir Gervas Clifton, Bart, 
and M. P., as well as a large silver bowl, a smaller one, 
two wine bowls, two silver salts, and twelve silver 
spoons. They have also a very stately silver cup, 
presented by the Earl of Lincoln, which is generally 
used at the Corporation feasts* 



n 2 



CHAP. VI. 



THE PARISH CHURCH. 

In the year 1258, Gilbert de Tyva was made sacrist 
of the Cathedral of York, by Sewall, the then Arch- 
bishop, and was inducted into the possession of this 
church (which had previously been dedicated to St. 
Swithin) on the Saturday next after the feast of St. 
Martin, being about the 18th of March. On the 3rd 
of the nones of May, in the same year, the said Sewall, 
ordained the vicarage, along with those of Sutton, 
Everton, Hay ton, and Clareburgh, in which ordination 
it was set forth, that if any of the vicars should happen 
to have less than ten marks per annum, the vicarage 
was to be augmented as it should please the Archbishop. 

For the continuance and well-being of the vicarage, 
it became necessary that some stipend should be per- 
manently fixed; accordingly the said prelate endowed 
it as follows. 



€Se $arfei> Chwrtj. 93 

Wlitxx tre 3&etf ortr Seat rentu goXtU 
tie &Itag & mtnuta£ trertas gttltcj— 
jmllog jjorrelTag anras panem & 
£ e btetam guos £ttg e tt fceferrt atr 
^Itar & Jracrfeta fcel })auj)tl5 ejn^tf em 
irille trertas ^Hcltnfcino^ ^t ante 
R e etford ' altqua ©irarfa* Sir suptu* ta;ata* 

elemosj ^ij. li. ^^^^ j mm ^ arta £ jj j tt "rff mttt 

v js yjjj d p e p deciara A ^ " - — v 

*ar e tfnt & truo* Js?ttrelm tie pod) atr 
ttrm tfefieat arit e tu auamentart in* 

Retford. ^ 

rartj ult a fcerem $Harra£ xietantu 
fiente£ qp Sttu g$£$tnt Sere *at e trote 
teneant a ge alt e o j) e £6tt e xi eFrtfe 
fce^erinre* arttt, (if. 'Kon. ffilaij* 
®nuo tfm mtllo* t. r™° ququage&'mo 
artabo. 
Having thus briefly introduced the steps taken for 
the establishment of the church, and also the means by 
which it was endowed for the support of those who 
might hereafter be collated to the living ; I shall lay 
before the reader the following extract from Torre's 
manuscript of the Archdeaconry of Nottingham, depo- 
sited in the archives of the Cathedral at York, wherein 
the substance of the foregoing document is set forth. 



* From the Register Book of Archbishop Greenfield, remain- 
ing in the consistory court at York. 



94 ^fetors trf Metfortr, 

RETFORD CHI OF ST. SWITHIN.* 

C^urdj. — The Ch: of East Retford was by Roger,t 
Abp. of York given to his new founded Chappell of 
St. Mary and Holy Angells near the Minister of York. J 

* St. Swithin received his clerical tonsure, and put on the 
monastic habit, in the monastery at Winchester, and was pro- 
moted to holy orders by Helmstan, Bishop of Winchester; at 
whose death in 852, King Ethelwolf granted him the see. In 
this he continued eleven years, and died in 868. 

t This Roger was the famous opponent of the celebrated 
Thomas a Becket. He, it appears, had given the church to 
that place some time previous to the above endowment, as 
that prelate died in 1190, so that a church had been in ex- 
istence here long before 3258. 

X Mr. Luddington, who was vicar of East Retford in 1G60, 
informs us that this chapel was "near the greater church of 
York ; in which Roger placed thirteen clarks of several orders, 
viz. four priests, four deacons, four subdeacons, and one sacrist, 
to celebrate divine service according to the constitution of that 
church of St. Peter ; for whose support he gave the moyety of 
the church of Ottley, the church of Everton, the church ot Sutton, 
with the chapel of Scrooby, and the church of Hayton, the 
church of Beardsey. The church of Claverly was of the gift of 
William Scoty, that of Hoton of William Pannel, that of Hare- 
wood of Amicia de Rumelly, and that of Thorpe of Adam dc 
Bruis, and Javette de Arches his wife. Hamo the chanter of 
York, was by the said Archbishop Roger made sacrist of the 
said chapel of St. Mary and Holy Angells, that in it he might 
dispose and order the service, and procure and minister to the 
chaplains, deacons, and sub-deacons, what the archbishop had 
constituted for their food and rayment, Sac, Every priest waa 



€%t ParfeS CJmrti). 95 



And being appropriated to it on the 3 non: Maij 
A.D. 1258. 

^UicarttfSe. — Abp. Sewall ordained that the Vicar 
of Retford should have 100s. ut of theAlterage, and 
the Small Tithes, viz. of Chickens, Piggs, Geese, and 
the bread and wine which shall happen to be brought 
to the Altar. 

In wch respect the Vicar shall repair the Chancel 
and find necessaries for them. And also answer the 
Archdeacon his procurations. 

And the Sacrist of that Chappell was to give the 
Tithes of the Mills to the poor of the Town. 

In a book entitled " Nonarum Inquisitiones in 
Curia Scaccarii," referring to the reign of Edward HI, 
we find the following document respecting this church 
and vicarage. 

EST RETFORD. 
It qd non veil fy agn ecclie de Est Retford p9 no tax q e 
pcella capelle S'ti Sepulc an dee vz p ann xj et no plq qz 
nulle garb nz fen ad ea ptin set totu consistit in altag 
mortuar oblat fy aliis minut decis q val p ann ad ver val 
xvl ij* iiijd et de toto integro pcipit vicar de rectore C s p 
porcone sua. 

to have yearly ten marks, every deacon one hundred, and every 
sub-deacon six marks of silver by the hand of the sacrist, who 
was* also to have yearly ten marks, (though the rents whereof he 
was made procurator should happen to fall short to the rest) and 
the surplusage of all the rents, but was to act with all diligence 
according to the will and direction of the said archbishop." 
Mon. Angl. vol. 2. page 137. 



96 ^fetorj) rrf Jftetfovtf, 

In the year 1392, this church contained two Altars, 
situate in a chapel * at the back of the chancel, one 
dedicated to St. Trinity the other to St. Mary, at which 
two Cantarists were appointed (by the bailiffs of East 
Retford) to minister daily: for the conducting and 
support of which the following copy of an ancient 
document will present a detail. 

COMMUNITIES CHANTRY, 16 AUG: AD. 1392. 

"The Bailiffs and Comunity of the Town of Retford 
having obtained the King's license to amortize, &c. &c. 
by the consent of Tho: Abp. of York, and his Chapter, 
gave, and by their Charter, confirmed to God, St. Mary, 
and All Saints, and to the Altars of St. Trinity and 
St. Mary, built in the parish Church of East Retford, 
and to Sir John, son of Robert Browne, of Tyreswell, 

* This Chapel was large, and appears to have extended to 
a considerable distance eastward, being- the burial place of seve- 
ral of the parishoners who died in affluent circumstances ; thus 
we find that Thomas Maunton, of East Retford, Berker, made 
his will, proved the 24th of May, 1425, giving his soul to God 
Almighty, St. Mary and All Saints, and his body to be buried 
in the quire of St. Trinity, within the Church of St. Swithin, of 
the said town. This and a number of others which our space 
will not allow us to mention, proves the fact above stated. We 
also find in 1442, Maud Wakefield died, giving her soul as 
above, and her body to be buried in the quire of St. Mary's, 
within the said Church ; in 1443, Alexander Roley ; in 1455, 
John Roley; in 1459, Thomas Lord ; in the same year Ralph 
Hickson ; in 1460, Thomas Strendall ; in 1473, William Gill : 
and in 1513, John Helwysj each, and all, did as above. 



€bt part*!) Cfjurcij. 



97 



and Stephen Maudelcne, Chaplens, and their successors, 
the annual rent of £16. 8s. sterling, issuing out of 
9 Messuages and 5 Tofts, in the Town of East Ret- 
ford, payahle quarterly, every year to the said Chap- 
lens, and their successors, for celebrating masses, and 
other divine services, at the said Altars for ever, under 
the forms following, &c. And also that there be an- 
nually on the 4th of December one special obiit cele- 
brated for them and their Comtinity by the Vicar of 
the Church, for the time being, and the said two Chap- 
lens with Placeto and Dirige, &c. And that the Vicar 
after the end thereof shall have 6d. and the two Chap- 
lens 3d. a piece, paid by them and their successors, the 
Bayliifs of the town, &c. and that in every vacation of 
these Chaun tries, that the presentation thereunto do 
(plenojure) belong to them, the said Bayliffs, and their 
Comunity for ever." 

A Catalogue of the First Cantarists for St. Trinity's Altar. 



TEMP. INST. 


CANTARISTE PRIMARY. 


PATRONI. 


VACAT. 






Ballive & 




16th Aug. 1392 


Dms. John Brown de Tereswell,Cap 


Com. de 
Retford. 


p. Mort. 


13th April, 1407 


Dms. John Masham, Phr. 


ijdem 






Dms. John Frankysh, Cap. 


ijdem 


p. Resig. 


1st Jan. 1422 


Dms. Richard Peynter, Pbr. 


ijdem 




11th Nov. 1423 


Dms. Richard Thrampton, Pbr. 


ijdem 






Dms. Richard Webster, Cap. 


ijdem 


p. Mort. 


3rd. Sep. 1450 


Dms. William Hall, Cap. 


ijdem 


p. Mort. 


13th March, 1458 


Dms. Robert Gyll, Pbr. 


ijdem 


p. Resig. 


16th Sep. 1467 


Dms. Thomas Underwood, Cap. 


ijdem 


p. Mort. 


5th July, 1468 


Dms. William Ricard, Cap. 


ijdem 




22nd May, 1486 


Dms. Richard Wylis, Cap. 


iEpus and 

Cap. 
Ballivi. 


p. Mort. 


13th April, 1513 


Dms. John Boys, Cap. 





98 



W*tc>vv of lEUtfortr, 



A Catalogue of Secondary Cantarists of St. Mary-s Altar. 



TEMP. 


INST. 


rGth Aug 


1392 


23rd Feb 


1400 


3rd Dec. 


1422 


14th Oct. 


1440 


22nd Sep 


1464 


23rd Sep. 


1485 


18th Feb. 


1506 


ult. July, 


1508 


30th Jan. 


1517 


28th Oct. 


1524 



CANTARISTE SECONDARY. 



Dras. Stephen Maudelene, Cap. 
Dms. William Tiltyngs, Cap. 
Dms. John Fryston, Cap. 
Dms. Robert Holme, Pbr. 
Dms. John Wiston, Cap. 
Dms. William Wryght, Pbr. 
Dms. William Kirkeby, Pbr. 
Dms. Thomas Gedlyng, Pbr. 
Dms. Roger Wilson, Cap. 
Dms. Henry Runder, Cap. 
Dms. John Gedlyng, Pbr. 
Dms. Thomas Wilson, Cap. 
Dms. Richard Baok, Pbr. 



PATRON I. 


VACAT. 


Ballive & 


pro.resig- 


Com. de 


vic. de 


Retford. 


West 


jjdem 


Markm. 


ijdem 




ijdem 




ijdem 


p. Mort. 


ij dem 




ijdem 


p. Mort. 


ijdem 


p. Resig-. 


ijdem 


p. Mort 


ijdem 


p. Resig*. 


ijdem 


p. Mort. 


ijdem 


p. Resig-. 


ijdem 





Early in the 16th century it was found that this 
chapel, from age and decay, must soon become a heap 
of ruins, and several other parts of the church had be- 
come considerably delapidated from the same cause, it 
was resolved that the chapel should be entirely demo- 
lished, and the church repaired with the old materials. 
This took place in 1528, when a stone, of which the 
following is an inscription, was placed over the door 
formerly the entrance to the chapel, as a record of the 
event. 



ANO MVNDI: 5526 
ANO CHRISTI: 1^82 : 



In comparing the dates of the above it will appear 
evident that a two-fold error has been committed. 



C&e Parfe& Clvixtl*. 99 

First, a chronological, — Secondly, a clerical, one. As 
it respects the first it will not excite much surprise if 
we consider the defective state of chronological com- 
putations at that period, hecause, until the immortal 
Newton finally completed his theory, the data on 
which calculations of this nature had heen made, were 
extremely erroneous, and an error of six years might 
easily be accounted for ; but when we find 1582 substi- 
tuted for 1528, we may suppose the mistake to have 
originated with the engraver, who has either not dis- 
covered it, — or discovering, has thought the alteration 
unnecessary. Be this, however, as it may, it is certain 
that the stone was placed there in 1528, to commemo- 
rate the event previously alluded to. 

After the body of the church had undergone a tho- 
rough repair, I find little worthy of particular notice 
respecting it: (with the exception of a regular and unin- 
terrupted succession of vicars,) until the year 1651, 
when the tower, the chancel, and a considerable portion 
of the rest of the building was blown down. The fol- 
lowing minute, dated November 4th, 1652, from the 
books of the Corporation, is almost the only document 
now remaining relative to the event; it states, 

" That the greatest part of the church of East Ret- 
ford, by the fall of the steeple, and other parts, had 
become very ruinous and made a heap of stones, and 
the remainder was much shaken and injured ; that the 
inhabitants had been at a great charge and cost to rc- 

o 2 



100 ^feturs of JftUfarU 

pair the part of the church which was standing, hut 
were unable to re-build what had fallen down, (the 
town being full of poor people, unable to contribute 
towards the charge, and being themselves chargeable 
to the rest of the inhabitants ;) that the bailiffs, alder- 
men, and council of the town, (whose names were sub- 
scribed,) had endeavoured, with the consent of the 
common burgesses, or the greater part of them, to 
procure the assistance of the neighbouring towns to- 
wards so pious a work, but finding that course fail, 
they did, therefore, with one consent, order and decree, 
that all the messuages, cottages, lands, and heredita- 
ments, belonging to the Corporation, or wherein they 
had any estate of freehold, either as trustees for the 
use of the Free Grammar School, or otherwise, in the 
villages, hamlets, or parishes of Kirton, Willoughby, 
and Walesby, in the county of Nottingham, should be 
sold in fee-farm, only reserving the ancient and accus- 
tomed yearly rent then paid, or payable to the bailiffs 
and burgesses for the use of the said school, and that 
the monies which should be raised, by such sale, should 
be employed towards re-building and repairing the said 
church and steeple/ ' The charge of re-building the 
whole, amounted to about £1500. of which the greatest 
portion was paid by the Corporation. 

After the completion of the church in 1658, nothing 
particular occurs until the year 1687, when the oldest 
terrier of the Glebe lands, &c. now in existence, and 



€ijt pm<# €buvtf>. 101 

which, in all probability was the first belonging to this 
vicarage, was drawn up and signed by the vicar, the 
churchwardens, and three of the parishioners ; I shall 
therefore, after giving a copy of it, proceed to a gene- 
ral description of the building, &c. as we find it at the 
present day. 

Aug: j« 13. 1687. 

A true & pfect Terrier of all y e . Geab Lands belong- 
ing to East Retford Church. 

Imp 1 ? One Dwelling house containing three Bays of 
Building, one Layth containing two Bays of Building 
& one Garden with a Yard butting upon y® Church 
Yard on the West, & on the King's Street on the 
South, on y e . School Orchard on y* East, & Jos : Cot- 
ham's Orchard on y e . North. 

Tythes. f 

All manner of Small Tythes with y e . Easter Book, 
and y* Surplus Fees, & two Gates on y* Common. 

Signed, 
Willm.Dunston, Major. Wm. Wintringham, Vicar. 
Christo. Byron, Alderman. William Bunby, ~) Churcji- 
Thos. Rawson, Alderman. Francis Hindley,3 ?mr ^ e7is 

The Parish Church of St. Swithin, which is a large, 
well-proportioned, and handsome structure, is situate 
on the north side of Chapel Gate, near the north 
eastern verge of the parish, in a very convenient 



102 W$tQX$ Ot MttUvX. 

situation ; it is generally denominated the Corpora- 
tion Church, not only on account of its stand- 
ing within the borough, hut also to distinguish it, in 
general conversation, from West Retford Church. The 
present edifice is, generally speaking, in the Gothic style 
of architecture, and in excellent condition on the out- 
side, hut only in moderate repair in the interior. It 
has a very handsome square tower, containing six hells; 
and the body, which is in the form of a cross, consists 
of a nave, a chancel, two side aisles, with north and 
south transcept, the whole pretty well lighted, and on 
a commodious plan. 

The architecture is evidently of four dates; the old- 
est, in all probability, being Norman. Near the pulpit 
are the remains of two clusters of pillars with their 
bases, and a fragment of the caps still remaining. 
The spring of the arch on each side of the nave has 
been altered from the form of a semicircle to the pointed 
Gothic, but the alteration is quite apparent. Over the 
porch (as may be seen by a reference to the fro?iti$- 
piece) is the medallion of a king on his throne, with 
a globe and sceptre ; this is probably of the same period, 
and may have been placed in its present situation after 
the ruins of the first church. 

The next in point of age, is about the date of the 
original endowment, as a reference to the fine lancet- 
shaped window in the chancel, as well as to some other 
parts of the edifice, will testify. About the year 1200, 



®%t part# £hivt%. 103 

the short round-headed window of the Saxons gave 
way to this peculiar style, which continued to he the 
prevailing fashion of the times, until ahout the reign 
of Edward the third. 

The two latter dates are both Gothic ;* the earlier 
of the two being apparently of the florid style of Henry 
the seventh's age ; and the latter, that of the reign of 
Charles the second. 

The body of the church is one hundred and sixteen 
feet six inches long, from the eastern window to the 
western entrance ; fifty-one feet laterally, from wall to 
wall in the nave and side aisles ; eighty-five feet from 
north to south in the centre, and the chancel nineteen 
feet. The largest portion of this space is taken up 
with pews, some of which (those in the south aisle, 
the southern transcept, and the chancel,) are regular 
and well sized, but the whole of those in the nave are 
not only irregular in their construction and arrange- 
ment, but are extremely ill-adapted to accommodate 
that number of persons which the increasing population 
of the town necessarily requires ; if the whole were re- 
pewed, in such a manner as a sense of propriety would 
dictate, several additional sittings would be obtained, 
without injury to any of the present proprietors, whilst 

* 1 use the term Gothic in this place as being generally applied 
to buildings of this description, though I am aware the term 
Saracenic, would be more appropriate. See Rev. Mr. Ben- 
tham's History of Ely Cathedral. 



104 ftfetars af Jftetfortr* 

suitable accommodation would be provided for several 
respectable families in the town to whom sittings would 
be highly acceptable. 

The height of the tower to the top of the pinnacles 
is ninety-seven feet, and of the nave forty-four feet ; 
the roof of the nave is supported by pillars, duodeca- 
gonal in figure, and terminating with the small abacus ; 
over the arches are twelve clerestory windows, which 
have a very light and interesting appearance. None 
of the windows at present exhibit any specimen of 
stained glass so as to allow us to give a description, 
being merely such small specks as have hitherto with- 
stood the fury of the contending elements, or what is 
more to be dreaded in some cases — the rash hand of 
the glaziers' apprentice. The western window is nearly 
new; formerly however, it could boast of its heraldic 
and other insignia, even so late as the year 1677, in 
which Thoroton wrote this part of his history of Not- 
tinghamshire ; — he thus describes it. 

In the West window — France and England, and Sab. 
Fretty Arg. a Carpenter's square Or, and Sab. Fretty 
Arg. and Axe Shaft Or. and head Arg. — There was 
Gules a chief Arg. Hercy quartering Leek. — And Gules 
a Saltier ermine, Neville, impaling Arg. a Chevron be- 
tween three stars (or Mullets) pierced sable ; and 
under the same all in one scutcheon, Arg. upon a Bend 
Azure, three Crescents Arg. A few scattered pieces 
are to be found in the eastern window ; these however 



€£e $*rfe!i CJjurrfK 



105 



are nearly all the fenestral embellishments which at 
present exist, though, without doubt, this church in its 
earlier ages, contained many more. 

There are at present four galleries, viz. one in the 
north aisle, another in the south erected in 1778, one 
over the west entrance in 1740, and another in the 
southern transcept in 1820; that in the north aisle, is 
considerably the oldest, some parts of it being com- 
posed of old English oak, and the workmanship may 
be considered as of the fifteenth century; in the gallery 
over the western entrance stands the organ* built by 
Mr. Donaldson in the year 1797, it is however much 
too small for the nave of the church, which, were it 
larger, and more proportionable, would have a very 
pleasing effect: it has been in agitation some time to 
make a considerable enlargement in the case, and, with 



* The first organ which this church possessed came from the 
Theatre, at Newark, and was presented by Robert Sutton, Esq. 
and the gallery erected at his expense, in IT 70. In 1787 an 
additional stop was introduced by Mr. Casterton, of Lincoln ; 
and in 1797, the present organ was erected, and the front of the 
old one taken to the church at West Retford. The following is 
a list of the organists, with the dates of their appointment. 



Sep. 14, 1770, Mr. W. Wilson. 
Nov. 12, 1778, Mr. B. Young. 
July 28, 1781, Mr. I. Goodlad. 
July 18, 1791, Dr. Miller. 



Oct. 8, 1797, Mr. John Gildon. 
April 25, 1799, Mr. T. Hand. 
July. 2, 1607, Mr. J. Birch. 
April 4, 1822, Mr. J. E. Clarke. 



June 22, 1824, Mr. H. T. Bugg, present Organist. 
P 



108 W$$®?£ ®i &ttiovH. 

the addition of pedals, it might be made not only a 
beautiful ornament to the church, but a credit to the 
town at large. 

The northern transcept is generally known by the 
name of the" Bishop's choir /'audi find it to be supposed 
by several, that a bishop has been interred here ; this 
is however, an erroneous idea, as that name is derived 
from the circumstance of the bishop holding the eccle- 
siastical court here for the Deanry of Retford every 
four years : the Archdeacon also delivers his charge to 
the clergy, &c annually in this place ; hence the ap- 
pellation of " Bishop's Choir." This place is used on 
Sundays for the accommodation of the children belong- 
ing to the National School, during the celebration of 
divine service. In an interstice in the north wall is 
a kind of closet, the door of which is secured by two 
very ancient locks, and an iron bar; here are deposited 
the indentures of those who have been bound appren- 
tices by the parish ; it also contains a number of cer- 
tificates which were formerly demanded from every 
person on changing his residence from one parish to 
another. 

The chancel, compared with the church, is but small, 
and formerly was but indifferently lighted, as a con- 
siderable part of the window was walled up ; latterly 
however, this defect has been remedied, and the light is 
now considered to be too strong and glaring. Some 
years ago it was suggested to have it glazed with 



CSe $art*5 Cfmrrib. 107 



ground glass, edged with a slight relief of stained glass, 
which, if carried into effect, would have a very neat 
and imposing appearance ; but as the requisite funds 
could not be obtained without an appeal to the parish 
rates, the idea was abandoned, and the subject fell to 
the ground. 

The vestry room is a small, but very convenient 
apartment, fitted up in the year 1792, on the north 
side of the chancel, in which the parish vestries are 
usually held. The parish chest, ' a pondrous ark of 
oak/ displaying on its front, three large locks, is also 
kept here, wherein are deposited, in the most confused 
and disorderly state, the parish books from the year 
1687, together with the vouchers : it is much to be re- 
gretted that the contents of this chest are not so col- 
lected and arranged as to be ready at all times for 
reference, by those whose business may lead them to 
do so. 

The tower contains six well-toned bells, which, with 
the exception of the third (it being considered some- 
what too sharp) are said, not only to sound well, but 
harmoniously. As many of my readers may be stran- 
gers to the belfrey, and not wishful to hazard an ascent 
up the awkward and difficult ladders, &c. which lead 
thereto, I shall briefly describe the passage. The en- 
trance is at the angle formed by the junction of the 
south aisle and transcept, where, after ascending two 
flights of steps, is the door leading to the ringing 

p2 



108 i?t£im*g oi 3aet£ortr* 

chamber ; here the machinery belonging to the clock is 
placed ; from hence you ascend a ladder into another 
chamber where is the chimes machine ; here also is an 
outlet to the roof of the nave; from this chamber ano- 
ther ladder leads to the belfrey ; the following is a copy 
of the inscriptions which circumscribe the heads of the 
bells. 

First, or Treble Bell. 

THIS BELL WAS GIVEN BY ROBERT SUTTON ESQ* OF THIS 

TOWN. 1771. 

PACK AND CHAPMAN FECIT LONDON. 

Second Bell. 

jesvs be ovr aaajs. 1624 

Third Bell. 
FEARE YE THE LORD. 1658. 

Fourth Bell. 

GOD SAVE THE KING. 1660. 

Fifth Bell. 

ALL GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH. 1660. 

Tenor Bell. 
god SAve his chvRch. 1590. 

From this place a small ladder conveys you to the 
top of the tower which forms an area of six hundred 
square feet, which is rendered perfectly secure by 
an embattled fabric raised five feet high. The old 
pinnacles, which were very diminutive in size, and 
inferior in point of workmanship, were, a few years 



€5e ^arfeS (tiljuxdj. 109 

ago, found to be considerably decayed, and in the 
year 1816, it was agreed that they should be taken 
down and new ones erected. The whole of the new 
part is from the projecting ledge a little below the 
battlements; the pinnacles, which are eleven feet 
high, are considered light and highly ornamental to 
the ancient fabric. 

Having thus given a hasty sketch of the church as 
it now is, I shall next proceed to notice, as far as my 
limits will allow, what must at all times be highly in- 
teresting both to the general visitor and the antiquary, 
viz. the monuments and monumental inscriptions which 
remain, — probably the only records of those whose 
memories they perpetuate, which the all-consuming 
hand of time has not yet been enabled to destroy. 
Here, all alike, rest in peace ; the dust has mingled 
with its kindred dust, and the sacred ashes of our fore- 
fathers repose in the silence of the grave ! It is not 
improbable but that several of these remains of anti- 
quity were demolished at the time the church was in 
ruins, either from the fall, or from neglect, — perhaps 
both, as three only are now remaining whose dates are 
anterior to that time, and out of these three, two are 
broken and defaced. The most ancient is in the 
bishop's choir, it is a massy tomb three feet two 
inches high, three feet eleven inches broad, and six 
feet nine inches long ; the inscription on the upper 
side, which circumscribes the edge is as follows,— 



110 



l&fetars ot 3ftetfj3t&, 




Along the centre of the stone is the under part of an 
ornamental cross,* the rest being nearly obliterated; 
on each side, and nearly in the centre, is the figures of 



* The earliest floor stones In churches which covered the re- 
mains of mortality, seldom had more inscribed upon them than 
the name and rank of the person interred ; engraved crosses 
were then forbidden, on account of it being: an indignity to 
trample upon them ; afterwards they were sanctioned and gene- 
rally used, great care however being taken not to tread upon 
them. 



mjt pirteii €bvLXt% ill 



two shields, which formerly contained three crescents 
upon a bend. — Close by, on the north side, is a marble 
stone, on the floor, the workmanship of which is in 
excellent preservation ; the following is a copy of the 
inscription. — 

$?tc jattt Jeanne* Jj>mj)ti>, ffilmtv, to Gfast 
MttiorX, qui oUit 26 tsit i$lau, <Hnno JDmn, 1496. 
Cujug attfai* groprtetur J3tu£, Slmtn* 

On a stone at the east end of the bishop's choir, we 
find the following. — 

Wt jzttt jflotjanne* * Ittcartu* to (fa*t 

Jaetfortf, J&ertcr uf ^agton antr (©rWalX, qui c&itt 
28 JEleremuen ^nno 1511. <£uju£ attmae propria 
iur Seu*, 9mtn. 

Another stone not far from the above contains as 
under. — 

?i?tr jacet Jeanne* J3mmatt, Urtntger, qui abiit 
16 $otomfcer, &imo iom. 1517. Cuju* antmae 
jn-aprutur IBeug, Qmen. 

The arms are, a cinquefoyle upon a chevron, — twice 
cut. 

In the chancel, on the north side, is an antique and 
ornamental mural monument, without date ; the inscrip- 
tion is as follows. — 

* The surname is entirely obliterated ; in all probability the 
remains of John Helwys, who was vicar of this church about 
that period. 



112 W*t*vp at MtttovX. 

Hie jacent 

Antiqu et Generos<e Domus 

reliquce 

Beatem expectantes Resurectionem 

Jacobi Lane et Annce uxor is 

trium filiorum 

Guilielmi Thomce et Jacobi 

etfiliae unuis Annae 

Nee nonfratris Johannis, filijqz ejus Jacobi 

quorum omnium 

M.S. 

Stephanus Rose qui uxor em duxit Mariam 

Richardi filij quarti M. A. olim Coll. B. Petri Cantab Socii 

filiam unicam et haeredem 

Pio et grato animo hoc posuit Monumentum 

Ipsum brevi ruiturum. 

Nearly opposite to the above is a plain neat marble 
monument to the memory of William Rose, Gent., 
having thereon the following eulogy. 

Near this place 

lye interred 

the remains of 

WILLIAM ROSE, gent. 

son of Stephen and Mary, 

educated at Peter House in Cambridge, 

M. A. sometime fellow of that College. — 

A bright and lively imagination 

conducted 

by a strong and comprehensive understanding $ 

and joined 

to a singular goodness of heart and generosity of spirit, 



€I)e patrfej C£urt|j. 113 

qualified him 

for what he made the business of his life, 

the pursuit and enjoyment of truth ; 

thus, 

what he owed to himself, 

the happy frame and disposition of his mind 

enabled him fully to accomplish : 

what he owed to others, 

his ill health and frequent indisposition of body 

would not suffer him so fully to discharge, 

by entering- into 

any of the learned professions • 

for in many of them he might have excelled, 

and become a public benefit • 

but for this he made no small amends 

by the great merit of his personal example. 

In an age of general profligacy, 

both in principle and manners : 

he adorned the religion of his country, 

by the sincerest adherence to its Communion ; 

and the most rational and zealous profession of its Doctrines 

and Moral Virtues, he recommended 

by the noblest practice 

of Temperance, Justice, Friendship, and extensive Charity. 

His family erected this monument 

to the memory 

of so excellent a man, 

and so affectionate a brother. 

He died in the 58th year of his age, 

on the 27th day of May. 

in the yean* of our Lord 

1753. 



114 W$tov& ot Mttiox*. 

On the north wall of the chancel is another plain 
marhle tablet thus inscribed: — 

TO PERPETUATE THE MEMO&Y 

OF A MOST AMIABLE WOMAN, 

IN WHOM WERE UNITED 

EVERY RELIGIOUS, MORAL. AND SOCIAL VIRTUE, 

THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED 

BY JOSIAS COCKSHTJTT, ESQ. 

OF WEST RETFORD, 

TO MARY HIS WIFE, 

WHO DIED 26TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1770, 

AGED 19 YEARS. 

On the same side near the east window, is a small, 
but elegant mural monument, containing the following 
inscription. 

To the memory of ROBERT SUTTOtf, Esq. 

whose body lies interred near this place. 

He was born 11 Nov. 1699, at Kelham in 

this county, and died 13th of Nov. 1776. 

In 1720 he was appointed Secretary of the 

embassy to the congress at Cambray. 
He was afterwards Gentleman Usher to the 

late Queen Caroline. Master of the 
King's staghounds in Shirewood Forest — 
a Justice of the Peace— and Deputy Lieu- 
tenant for this county. 
During a residence of many years in this 
Town, he Was a benefactor to it in the fol- 
lowing instances j he gave £100. towards 



©je parte}) Cinvti). 115 

building tl .? Town Hall, — £100. towards the 
Barnby Common Road— built Pelham Bridge- 
paid the assessment for the poor on new 
roofing the Church — gave an Organ and a 
Bell to the Church— £200. towards procuring 
the Queen's bounty— and the dividend of a 
share in the Canal to the poor of East Retford for ever. 
This monument was erected by his Relict Mrs. Mary Sutton. 

Exactly opposite to the foregoing is another, from 
which we transcribe the following. 

TO THE MEMORY OF 

SIR WHARTON AMCOTTS 

OF KETTLETHORPE PARK, 

IN THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN, BARONET, 

WHO REPRESENTED 

THIS RESPECTABLE BOROUGH IN PARLIAMENT 

DURING TWENTY YEARS. 

HE DIED SEPTEMBER 26TH 1807, 

AGED 67 YEARS. 

THIS MONUMENT 

WAS ERECTED BY HIS AFFECTIONATE WIDOW 

AMELIA THERESA AMCOTTS. 

The only remaining monument to he noticed, in the 
chancel, is a small, but elegant sacophagus placed im- 
mediately over Mrs. Cockshutt's, bearing the following 
inscription. 

Sacred to the Memory of 

JOHN PARKER, ESQ. 

formerly an Alderman of the Corporation of East Retford, 

and truly respected by all who knew him : 

he died on the 17th day of September, 1785, aged 66 vears. 

Q2 



116 l^tetcrj) g£ Metfarfr* 

And also of PHILLIS PARKER his wife, 

who departed this life on the 2nd July, 181 1, 

aged 91 years. 

A most affectionate wife, good mother, and sincere 

christian, ever to he regretted by her Family and Friends. 

This monument is erected by their son 

JOHN PARKER, ESQ. 

An oval tablet, on a dark ground, in the bishop's 
choir, gives us the following. 

RICHARD MORTON, M. A. 

vicar of this Parish 

forty-nine years, 

died April 20th, 1821, aged 76 years. 

To his memory highly endeared 

his widow and two surviving daughters 

consecrate this tribute of affection. 

Five children died in infancy, 

Mary, August 27th, 1816, aged 31 years ; 

George, M. A. and in orders Dec. 9th, 1818, aged 39 years. 

On another adjoining this is a plain white tablet 
edged with black marble, inscribed as under. 

In memory of JOSEPH GINEFER, an Alderman of 
this Borough, and a man of inflexible integrity ; who died 
greatly respected, July 15th, 1827, aged 65 years. By his 
Willy he bequeathed Three Hundred Pounds, to be applied 
for the use of the Poor Women of this parish for ever. 

Another marble tablet, in the north aisle commem- 
morates the death of five of the children of John 
Holmes, Esq. 

In the south aisle are placed four mural monuments, 



mjt IBzvizb €buxt% in 



he first of which is to the memory of Thomas Brumby, 
Alderman, and Mary his wife ; another to the memory 
of Mary, the wife of Francis White ; a third to the 
memory of Thomas Welsh, an Alderman, of this bo- 
rough ; and the fourth (with a transcript of which 
I shall conclude the catalogue) to that of Beaumont 
Marshall, Esq. 

Sacred 

To the memory of 

BEAUMONT MARSHALL, 

An Alderman of this Borough, 

The estimation and respect in which he was held, 

By all ranks of Society, 

And the influence of his character in general, 

Strikingly exemplified how much may be effected 

By integrity of principle, 

And uprightness of conduct. 

If a regular and devout attendance 

On the ordinances of religion ; 

If a faithful discharge of public Trusts 

And private Duties ; if many social Virtues, 

United with unobtrusive Charity, 

Could justify a reasonable hope of Salvation, 

He might have had whereof to glory : 

But being deeply sensible of his utter 

Unworthiness in the sight of God, 

He trusted exclusively to the merits 

Of a crucified Saviour. 

He was enabled, by Divine grace, 

To support a tedious illness 

With comparative patience and resignation, 

And departed this life in the blessed hope 



118 WMtovp Df.'a&rtfartr. 

Of a glorious immortality, 

On the 13th of April, 1826, 

Aged 67 Years. 

He bequeathed to the Bailiffs and Aldermen 

Of East Retford and their Successors 

One Hundred Pounds, for the benefit 

Often Poor Families, for ever. 

THE FONT. 

The most curious, if not the most ancient, piece of 
workmanship in the Church, is the Font, which stands 
on the left hand immediately on entering the great south 
door ; the pedestal as well as the sculptured ornaments 
are in good preservation, with the exception of one 
flower, which has been mutilated for some purpose or 
other ; it stands three feet nine inches high ; the pedes- 
tal is plain and neat, and on the under side of the 
body is the figure of a bishop (probably that of St. 
Swithin) holding a book to his breast. It is generally 
supposed to be the work of the sixteenth century. In 
the early ages of Christianity, fonts were kept in pri- 
vate houses, and sometimes placed in woods and other 
secluded places, but afterwards, they were introduced 
into the porches of churches, and subsequently into 
their interior parts. 

For the sake of record, I shall in the next place 
proceed to notice the 38entfartumaX ©afcletS, of which, 
in this church, there are four, viz. two in the bishop's 
choir, and two in the chancel. 




JFontf 



?i C^j^.^/f-ef/orr/ - 



C?je ^an<$ £1)uvth 119 



IN THE BISHOP S CHOIR. 

Mrs. Hannah Saltmarsh, daughter of Mr. John 
Smeaton, Alderman of this Town, gave towards the 
repair and amendment of this Church, the sum of 
£100 — £30. towards the teaching of the poor chil- 
dren, and £20. for the use of the poor, to he distribu- 
ted at the discretion of the vicar. Mrs. Barbara 

Moody of this Town, gave in the year 1726, the sum 
of £24. the use of which is to be distributed upon the 
feast of St. Mark, for ever, amongst six of the poorest 
widows of this town, at the discretion of the vicar and 
the Senior Bailiff for the time being. 

George Wharton of this Town, Gentleman, gave one 
close in Dominie Cross to the head Master of the Free 
School, to read the Common Prayer on every sunday 
in the afternoon in the Church of East Retford. And 
also five pounds per annum, out of his estate in Little 
Gringley, for the teaching and clothing five poor boys 
of this parish, not being the sons of freemen, for ever ; 
and also gave 15 penny loaves to be given every 
monthly communion for ever; and appointed John 
Simpson, James Wharton, Gentlemen, and Thomas 

Gylby, vicar, trustees for the same. Stephen Rose 

of this Town, Gent, painted and gave the history of 
the last supper for the adorning and beautifying this 
chancell.* Mrs. Sharpe of this town gave the in- 
terest of twenty pounds, now in the hands of the Cor- 
poration, to be distributed to the poor, by the Senior 
Bailiff. 

IN THE CHANCEL. 

SF Gervas. Clifton, of Clifton, Cou? Notts. Kt. and 
Bart, gave to this Corporation 1 large Silver Bowl, 



* This painting- is placed within the altar rails, on the south 
side of the chancel ; nothing- more, however, can be said of it, 
than that it is " an ordinary picture of the Lord's Supper." 



120 W*t*v$ *i ^HUvtS. 



Gilt, 1 lesser Bowl, 2 Wine Bowls, 2 Silver Salts, 12- 
Silver Spoons, and one Silver Mace. — ■ — Lady Frances 
Pierpoint, relict of Sr. Henry Pierpoint, of Holme Pier- 
point, CouT Notts. Kt. gave an annuity of £10. to be 
yearly given to Ten of the most poor and aged people 
of this Town, and appointed the then Chapter of South 

well, and their successors, trustees for the same. 

Sir Geo. Savile of Rufford, CouY Notts. Bart, now Mar- 
quess of Hallifax, gave to the re-building of this Church 
the sum of 20 pounds. The Right Hon. Geo. Vis- 
count Castleton, of Sandbecke, Couy York, gave a great 
quantity of stone by which y e . inhabitants were enabled 

to finish so good a work. Sr. Edw4 Neville, of 

Grove, CouT Notts. Kt. and Bart, gave to this Corpo- 
ration, a very stately Silver Mace to be borne before 

Mr. Senior Bailiff. Sr. W 1 ? Hickman, of Gainsbro', 

Couy Lin? Bart, gave to the Church 2 large Silver 
Flaggons, 1 large Chalice with cover, 1 large Salver for 

the Communion Plate. W™ Clarke of Walkering- 

ham, CouY Notts, gave by his last will 3 Pounds, to be 
distributed by equal portions at Lady Day and Michael- 
mas yearly, to 3 aged poor people and honest behaviour 
of this town, which sum is to be paid by his heirs for 
ever, out of his lands, of Gainsbro', Morton, and Walk 
rith, Couy Lin n and y e Minister and Churchwardens, 
are authorized by the said will to enter and distraine 
upon y e said lands in case y e said sum be not paid ac- 
cordingly. Richard Sleswicke of this town, Gent. 

gave all his lands and tenements whatsoever, lying 
here or in West Retford, to y e building and maintain- 
ing an Hospitall for 3 poor men of this Town, chosen 
by the Bailiffs and Aldermen, for the time being, who 
are, by Decree of Chancery, appointed Trustees for the 
same. — —John Smith, of Worksop, CouY Notts, gave 
to this town, 4 Pounds, in consideration that the Bai- 
liffs, for y e time being, pay yearly unto the Church- 
wardens eight shillings, to be distributed upon the feast 



of St, Thomas, Apostle, and upon Good Friday, to the 
most poor and impotent people of this town, at y e dis- 
cretion of the Minister and Churchwardens, for y e time 

being. John Coulby of this town, Tanner, gave 

5 shillings more to be paid yearly to y e Churchwar- 
dens, for y e use of this Church, and 5 shillings more 
to be paid yearly to y e Overseers of y e poor, for y e use 
of y e poor, and charged a dwelling house of his on the 
south side of y e Church for y e payment of the same. — 
Mr. William Haughton, late Minister of Ordsall, Cony 
Notts, gave several Tenements and Lands situated and 
lying in y e town and parish of Ordsall, to y e Free 
School of this Town, and appointed the then Bailiifs 
and Burgesses, and their successors, trustees for the 
same, that they should out of the rents and profits 
thereof annually pay unto y e Head Schoolmaster, the 
sum of 4 pounds, upon y e 1st of Jan? & y e remainder 

of y e rents and profits to y e Usher. W m Wharton 

of this Town, Gent, gave to the honest poor people 
thereof, 40 Pounds, and appointed y e then Bailiffs and 
Aldermen, Minister, & their Successors, trustees, en- 
abling them to dispose of it to y e best advantage, and 
y e rent or interest to be by them annually distributed. — 
On another table on the north side is the following : — 
Mr. Ald n Geo. Popplewell, by Will in 1784, gave into 
the hands of the Corporation of Retford, Fifty Pounds, 
the interest to be distributed by the Bailiffs annually, 

to the poor of this parish. Mrs. Sarah Brown, of 

Sheffield, by Will in 1795, gave into the hands of the 
Corporation of Retford, 20 Guineas, the Interest to be 
applied for the teaching of two poor Girls in reading 

and needlework. Mrs. Anne Woolby, by Will in 

1812, gave to the Bailiffs of this Town, an annuity of 
six pounds thirteen shillings and fourpence, charged 
upon Two Closes in Clarbrough Parish, called Long- 
holme, to be distributed by the Vicar to twenty of the 
oldest and poorest widows or singlewomeu of East 
Retford, every Christmas. 

R 



122 



Wtitov}) $i Mttiovts. 



A Catalogue of the Tricars of Eat 


t Retford 




TEMP. INST. 


VICARII ECCLE. 


PATRON I. 


VACAT. 


8 Id. Sep. 1317 


Dms. John de Sutton, deHaytefeld 
Dioc 


Sacrista 
Capelle 

bte Mar. 
Ebor. 

ijdem 

ij dem 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ijdem 
ij dem 

ijdem 

ijdem 
ij dem 
ijdem 
ij dem 
ij dem 
ij dem 
ijdem 
ijdem 
ijdem 
ij dem 
ijdem 
ijdem 
ijdem 
ij dem 
ij dem 
ij dem 
.ZEpus vac, 
Sacr. 
Sacr. 

Capeile 
ij dem 
ijdem 
P. and M. 

Regnae 
Eliz. Reg. 

eadem 

eadem 
Will. Dms 
Cavendish. 
Will. Com 

Devons. 
ij dem 

Will.Com. 

Devon, 
ijdem 
the King 
Duke oi" 
Devon. 
Sir R. Sut- 
ton, Bart. 




C Kal. Feb. 1318 

3 Oct. 1319 

12 April 1358 
28 Nov 1361 


Dms. Richard de Shirburn, Pbr... . 
Dms. Roger de Dale, Pbr 

Dms. William Fulburn, Cap 

Dms. Rog-er de Waddeworth, Fbr 
Dms. John Gelle, Cap 


pro. resig 
pro. vie. 
de Mi^ne 
p. Mort 




Dms. John de Eton , 


p. Resig- 

pro 
Eccla.de 


24 August, 1364 
9 Sep. 1365 


Dms. Robert de Hay, Cap 

Dms. Thomas de Claworth, Cap . . 

Dins. Thomas de Sou thorp 

Dms. Robert Cave, Pbr 


Scamp* 

ton Line 

Dioc. 

p. Mort 

p. Resig 


15 July 1415 
9 Junii 1421 
26 Dec. 1422 


Dms. Robert Castleleyn, Pbr 

Dms. Robert Holme, Pbr 

Dms. Richard Westeby, Pbr 

Dms. John Lufr'day, Pbr 


p. Mort 
p. Mort 


16 Feb. 1463 
14 July 1164 
12 Sep^ 1464 
25 July, 1467 

10 Jan. 1483 
5 Jan. 1485 

11 Dec. I486 


Dms. Thomas Margery, Pbr 

Dms. William Billhig'ley, Pbr. . . 
Dms. John Gegge, PJjr 


p. Resig 
p resig 
p mort 


Dms. Robert Gill, Cap 


p mort 


Mr. Edmund Pershay, Pbr 

Mr. Thomas Karlille, Pbr 

Dms. Adam Nicholson 


p resig 
p resjg 
p dimis 


16 Nov. 1490 
15 Aug'. 1497 


Dms. Hugo Bawgy, Pbr 

Dms. John Helwes, Pbr 


p mart 
p mort 


18 Feb. 1506 


Dms. John Hehvys, Pbr 


p mort 


4 Feb. 15' 2 
3 Feb. 1521 • 

16 Oct. 1556 


Dms. John Coltman, Pbr 

Dms. John Thackbarrow, Pbr 

Dms. Nic. Holwell, CI 


p re% 
p mort 


22 Junii 1565 


Alvered Tempest, CI 




22Maii 1573 


Christopher Say, CI 




14 Junii 1588 


George Turwvu, CI 


p mort 


24 Feb. 1617 

22 Sep. 1618 
Ult. March, 1640 
1661 


Jac. Colley, Pbr. B. A. 

John Watt, CI. M. A 

Henry Bate, B. A 

Tim. Luddington, CI 


p mort 
p mort 

p mort 


11 July, 1674 

. 1701 

1751 


Guil. Wintringham, CI. B. A 

Rev. Thomas Gylby, M. A 

Rev. Joshua Sampson 


p mort 

p mort 
p mort 


1772 
„ 1821 


Rev. Richard Morton, M. A 

Rev. Thomas F. Beckv/ith 


p mort 



€bt $&t$joU$t Chapel* 123 

THE METHODIST CHAPEL, 

Of which the accompanying engraving presents an 
accurate delineation, is situate at the east end of New- 
gate Street, and was erected in 1823. Previous to that 
time* however, the Methodists were not devoid of 
a place of worship ; this building was in Meeting House 
Lane (a narrow street branching from Carrhill gate,) 
and to which it imparted its name. This building bad 
been erected upwards of fifty years. From the in- 
crease in the frequenters of that place, it was found to 
be too small for their accommodation, in consequence 
of which, the present edifice was erected. It cannot 
be said, that the interior possesses any thing like gran- 
deur, but it is generally allowed to be upon a metho- 
dical and well-arranged plan, being capable of seating 
upwards of eleven hundred persons. Behind this is 
the vestry, as well as a spacious school room used on 
the sabbath day ; a burial ground is also attached to 
the premises. On each side of the chapel is a house for 
the accommodation of the preachers stationed in the 
circuit. Hours of service on Sundays are at ten in the 
morning, two in the afternoon, and six in the evening ; 
also on monday evenings at seven o'clock. 

* In Mr. Wesley's Journal I find the following" entry. — " June 
24th, 1786, 1 preached at New Inn ; afterwards at Newark, one 
of the most elegant towns in England ; and in the evening at 
Retford, on, < I saw the dead, small and great, stand before 
God'." 

R 2 



124 liters) xrf Metfcrtr, 

A small white marble tablet, edged with black, com- 
memorates the death of Mr. Clater, the celebrated 
author of " Every man his own Farrier, and Cattle 
Doctor/' as follows — 

In memory of FRANCIS CLATER, of this place, who departed this life on 
the 29th May, 1823, aged 67 years — much respected. 

INDEPENDENT DISSENTERS' CHAPEL. 

This is a plain brick building, situate on the south 
side of Chapelgate, directly on the confines of the pa- 
rish, and was erected upwards of thirty years ago by 
a lady of the name of Bond, who resided at Morton, 
nearGainsbro'; at this period it was dedicated solely 
to the worship of those dissenters who had embraced 
the tenets of the Countess of Huntingdon ; it continued 
to be used in that connexion for some years, and was 
then shut up for a season: after a succession of changes 
it was finally purchased by William Brownlow, Esq. 
of London, a gentleman well known in the religious 
world for numerous charitable and benevolent acts, 
who vested it in the hands of trustees, and presented 
the use thereof to the Society of Independent Dissen- 
ters, resident in the town and neighbourhood, in order 
that it might continue to be devoted to the purposes 
for which it was originally intended. The interior, 
though small, has an air of neatness, and appears to 
have been constructed rather with an attention to the 
accommodation of the pious, than with a view to ad- 
ventitious decoration. Adjoining the south end of the 



JEntoptntottt mmnUvtf Chapel. 125 

chapel is a school room, where a number of scholars 
are gratuitously instructed in reading, spelling, &c. on 
the sabbath day. 

The hours appointed for the performance of divine 
service are, on the Lord's day, at half-past ten in the 
morning, and half-past six in the evening ; a public 
lecture is also delivered every Wednesday evening. 

On the west wall is placed a small marble tablet, 
bearing the following inscription, — 

Sacred to the memory of RICHARD BULLIVANT, who died the 17th 
September, 1821, aged 34 years. He was benevolent and generous , active in 
the promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom, and deservedly esteemed both as 
a man and a christian, by all who knew him. 



CHAP. VII. 

%\yt $xtz (ffirammar J^&xsol— €&e Kaiumal 
3Hotufe*— €h JEtorra* Cljarttfl, $*♦ 



THE FREE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 

King Edward the sixth, on the petition as well of the 
bailiffs and burgesses of East Retford as of very many 
others of the whole neighbouring country for the erect- 
ing and establishing of a grammar school there, granted 
and ordained that there should be a grammar school 
in the town of East Retford, which should be called 

"20be $vtt (Grammar J^aaX oi W>in$ <£trfoartf 
tit §>W 

for the education and instruction of boys and youths in 
grammar. And for the sustentation of the said school, 
his Majesty granted the then late Chantry of Sutton 
in Loundale, within the parish of Lound, in this County, 
in the several tenures or occupations of Richard 
Styrroppe, John Waddesley, William Hollewell, John 
Thorpe, Christopher Whytethorne, and William More- 



©|js dPrte Grammar jfrtfyool. 127 

ton, situate in Sutton, in Loundale, aforesaid. His 
Majesty also further granted all the then Chantry of 
Tuxford, with all its appurtenances thereto belonging, 
then in the several tenures or occupations of William 
Ingham, John Elme, John Cuthbert, and Robert Gab- 
bites, situate in Kyrton or elsewhere in this County. 
His Majesty also further granted all the then late 
Chantry of Anysley, with all its appurtenances thereto 
belonging, then or late in the several tenures or occu- 
pations of John Pynnor, Edmund Vathley, Richard 
Mayfield, Christopher Bynk, Christopher North, Nicho- 
las Bagley, and John Sterman, situate, lying, and being 
in Kyrbie, Ashfield, Morton, Anysley, and Bleesbye, 
or elsewhere in this County, with the appurtenances to 
the said Chantries, or each of them, in any manner be- 
longing ; and which messuages, lands, tenements, rents, 
reversions, services, and all other premises, were then 
extended to the clear yearly value of Fifteen pounds 
five shillings and threepence farthing, to hold the 
same to the aforesaid burgesses of the town of East 
Retford, and their successors, for ever. His Majesty 
also gave the said bailiffs and burgesses, and their suc- 
cessors, authority to nominate and appoint a master 
and undermaster, as often as such situations should 
become vacant ; and that they, with the advice of the 
Archbishop of York for the time being, should have 
power from time to time to make fit and proper statutes 
for the government and direction of the master and 



128 W*tov% nf 2aetfxsrtr. 

undermaster, touching and concerning the same school. 
His Majesty also granted them authority to receive 
and purchase to them and their successors, any other 
lands and hereditaments, not exceeding the clear yearly 
value of twenty pounds sterling; and also willed and 
ordained, that all the issues, rents, revenues, and pro- 
fits, as well of the said messuages, lands, and tenements, 
given and granted, as of all other the lands and here- 
ditaments thereafter to be obtained and purchased, 
should from time to time be laid out and expended for 
the support and maintenance of the school aforesaid, 
and of the master and undermaster of the same school, 
or for other things, touching and concerning the same* 
In conformity with the King's ordinance, the bailiffs 
and burgesses of East Retford with the advice of Hol- 
gate, Lord Archbishop of York, agreed upon the rules 
and regulations which are dated the 30th of April 
1552, for the government of the said school, wherein 
the course of study and discipline is prescribed ; it was 
also ordered that two sufficient houses should be pro- 
vided for the master and undermaster, rent-free ; and 
that of the above mentioned sum of fifteen pounds five 
shillings and three pence farthing, the master should 
receive for his annual salary, the sum of Ten Pounds, 
and the undermaster the remainder ; with such an in- 
crease afterwards as to the bailiffs and burgesses might 
seem convenient to make. From this period it does 
not exactly appear what the master's salary was until 



C6e £xtt (Grammar &djool. 129 

the year 1764, when it is stated to be £29 per annum 
including £4. the interest of certain property which 
had been bequeathed by the Rev. William Houghton, 
consisting of an estate at Ordsall ; the will is dated 
June 23rd, 1763, and devises that £4. should be paid 
yearly to the head master, on the 1st of January, and 
the remainder unto the usher ; the estate is now let at 
about £28 per annum. The master's salary remain- 
ed stationary from 1763 to 1801, at which period the 
present master was appointed, when it was raised to 
£53. and in 1813 it was further augmented to £80. 
a year, but no salary has been paid him since Lady- 
Day, 1821. From 1763 to 1801, the usher's salary 
was £21 and from thence to within the last few years 
£30 per annum ; at present it is £40. 

The property of the Chantry of Tuxford is stated 
in the letters patent to have been situate at Kirton, 
and elsewhere ; but the Corporation are not at present 
in possession of any estates at Tuxford or at Kirton, 
By a deed dated the 30th of April, 1583, the estate at 
Tuxford was sold for £50. and conveyed to John 
Whyte, gent, and his heirs. This estate has lately 
been purchased by his Grace the Duke of Newcastle. 
The remaining property in this Chantry appears to lie at 
Kirton ; and by indenture dated the 22nd of November, 
1552, was granted to William Ingham, and Isabel his 
wife, for a term of 21 years, on the surrender of two 
former leases granted by John Cresswcll, then late 

b 



130 $?i*tarj> oi Mtttovti. 



chantry priest at Tuxford ; the reserved rent of the 
property, which is described as two farms of husbandry, 
&c. &e. in Kirton, being 40s. annually. In 1 638 a lease 
was granted to the Earl of Kingston, of two farms in 
Kirton, at the rent of 40s. ; and another lease for 21 
years dated 1647, of the same premises, to the Mar- 
quis of Dorchester, son of the Earl of Kingston, at 
the same annual rent ; the quantity of land appearing 
to have been about 90 acres. By indenture bearing date 
the 11th of August, 1656, the bailiffs and burgesses, in 
consideration of the sum of £300.* demised the said 
premises at Kirton and East Markham, to the Earl of 
Clare, and his heirs, for a thousand years, at the seve- 
ral reserved annual rents of 40s. for the premises at 
Kirton, and 17s. for those in West Markham. The 
property is now belonging to the Duke of Newcastle, 
whose estate in Kirton alone, is understood to consist 
of about 150 acres, and to produce a rent of about 
£200. a year. 

The property then appertaining to the Annesley Chan- 
try appears to have been situate atKirkby in Ashfield, 
Annesley, Moreton, and Bleesby ; but the Corporation 
are not at present in possession of any property at 
Kirkby in Ashfield or Annesley; that belonging to them 
at Moreton, consists of a house, 15 acres of land, and 



• For an account of this property, and the way in which &*e 
proceeds were applied, see the account of" the Parish Church. 



C&e Jfvtt (Grammar Jfcfjonl. 131 

a gate on Moreton Common, valued at about £22. per 
annum. The estates of the Corporation at Bleesby 
consist of four houses and about 120 acres of land, let- 
ting at about £158. per annum; but the Corporation 
claim part of these in their own right, as in several of 
the schedules annexed to old leases, lands are describ- 
ed as lying betwixt, and in other instances bounded 
by lands belonging to the School at East Retford; 
and that one of the schedules containing such reference 
is entitled " Schedule of the lands belonging to the Cor- 
poration ;" but since the Commissioners of Charities 
came, their report sets forth "that it is incumbent on 
the Corporation to make out the distinction between 
them/' and in which they have failed. The estate 
at Louud belonging to the Corporation, consists of 
a house and 84 acres of land, which is let at about 
£105. per annum. 

Towards the conclusion of the seventeenth century, 
certain proceedings were instituted against the then 
bailiffs, &c. under a commission to redress the misem- 
ployment of lands, goods, and stocks of money there- 
tofore given to charitable uses, when the Jury found 
on inquisition taken before the Commissioners, that the 
rents, profits, &c. had been misapplied for 79 years; 
and the Commissioners decreed that the bailiffs and 
burgesses should within one month after notice of the 
decree, pay to the then master, (Mr. Henry Boawre) 

the sum of £3372. 4a. Ad, being the amount of monies 

s2 



132 $?fetorj) oi Mcttov*. 

withheld from the charity ; and further ordered that 
they should pay yearly to the schoolmaster the whole 
of the rents of the said lands and premises, and such 
sums as they should afterwards receive from any leases 
thereof. Exceptions were taken to this decree on ac- 
count of the extent of certain laws under which the 
Commissioners had acted, and afterwards an answer 
was put in to the exceptions, but nothing more was 
done in the case ; most likely the abandonment was 
produced by it being found that the decree could not 
be supported in consequence of the exceptions in the 
statute. 

The present building (which is situate on the north 
side of Chapelgate) was erected in the year 1779, on 
the site of the old school-room, at an expense of £290 
and a new house adjoining, for the residence of the 
master, was built in 1797, which cost £360. and after- 
wards a further amount of £94. was expended in im- 
provements and additional buildings. In the year 
1810, the usher's house was built at the charge of 
£558. 16s. 8d. upon the scite of the old houses for- 
merly occupied both by the master and usher ; thus 
ihe total amount expended on the buildings, &c of the 
school and its appendages is £1301. 17*. 8*/. 

In the year 1819, the Commissioners, appointed by 
an Act of Parliament, for inspecting the different 
charities in England and Wales, visited this place for 
the purpose of looking into the documents in possession 



C6e ^aitmtal §$t}>ooL 133 

of the Corporation, and of hearing such evidence rela- 
tive thereto, as they might he able to obtain: the 
Commissioners were engaged several days, and not- 
withstanding the most diligent search, it was found 
that several ancient documents, which would have been 
of considerable use in the investigation, were not forth- 
coming. In order however to account for this, it 
appears from a memorandum in the possession of the 
Corporation taken during the proceedings in the Court 
of Chancery, in 1699, that a hutch, wherein the 
writings bolonging to the Corporation were formerly 
deposited, was kept in the church, and that when 
the church fell in 1651, the hutch was broken to 
pieces, and many of the writings lost or destroyed. 

Since 1819 a partial hearing of the case has been 
had before the Vice Chancellor, when it was ordered 
that the whole of the documents appertaining thereto 
should be laid before one of the masters in chancery, 
who should report thereupon. 

THE NATIONAL SCHOOL. 

It appears that amongst the ancients a system of 
national education was considered as essentially neces- 
sary towards the well-being of the community, and 
highly conducive to train a citizen from birth to matu- 
rity, in such a manner, that he might be prepared to 
perform the civil duties of his station, and assist in the 
defence of his country: hence the histories of Persia, 



134 Ifefeiorj) at MttfovK. 

of Greece, and of Rome, clearly prove, that so long as 
this system, under certain modifications, continued 
general and operative in these countries, they were 
safe ; the magistrate was incorruptible — the citizen was 
virtuous. The clergy of the established church, in this 
country, were not unacquainted with this fact, and to 
provide the like security for England, they, in con- 
junction with other influential individuals, succeeded in 
establishing National Schools, where the children of the 
poor are admitted at such an age when their minds 
are most susceptible of those impressions which are 
necessary to the- formation of a good and useful 
character. 

The National School, for boys only, is situate on the 
south side of Chapelgate, and was erected in the year 
1813 ; it is seventy-five feet nine inches in length, and 
thirty-nine feet nine inches in width, and is capable of 
accommodating 160 scholars. It was first opened on 
the 20th September, 1813, under the presidency of 
His Grace the Duke of Newcastle, for the purpose of 
promoting the education of the poor, in the principles 
of the Church of England, (on Dr. Bell's system,) 
auxiliary to the National Society established in London, 
under the patronage of his present Majesty, then Prince 
of Wales. At this period, and for some years after- 
wards, it was well supported by a long list of voluntary 
contributions ; but latterly, from the deaths of subscri- 
bers, and other causes, the funds have been in a de 



dining state, and without the inhabitants of the town 
and neighbourhood come forward in its behalf, not only 
its success, but its duration will be extremely dubious- 
From the beneficial effects which have already been 
produced on the characters of several, who have now 
arrived at manhood, and who received their instruction 
under its roof, it is surely not too much to request, — 
and that most earnestly, that the charitable, and those 
who are favourable to the ameliorating the condition 
of the lower orders of society, will come forward in its 
behalf, remembering that the religious education of the 
poor tends to make them not only better men, and 
better subjects, but also better christians. 

TREASURERS.— Sir W. B. Cooke, Bart. Childers, Foljambe, and Parker. 

Secretaries.---/?^. T. F. Beckwith, and Rev. William Mould. 

Master.— Mr. J. S. Piercy. 

sleswicke's hospital. 

The following summary of the will of the donor, 
made the 5th of May, 1657, will explain all the cir- 
cumstances appertaining thereto. 

Richard Sleswicke, by will, (dated as above,) be- 
queathed certain of his property to his wife, and one 
year after her decease, to descend to Edmond Midwin- 
ter. The remainder of his property he bequeathed to 
Edward Neville, Esq. Francis Stringer, Esq. John 
Rayner. Gent, of Great Drayton, William Booth, of 
Laneham, and Mr. YVidwinter, in trust, " for the main- 
tenance of six poore old men of good carriage and be- 



136 Wstsrp nJ iieifartf- 

haviour, every of them to receive three pounds six 
shillings and eight pence yearly at flower times in the 
year." His then dwelling house was ordered to be 
converted into " a hospital and charitable house, to be 
titled and called by the name of $&t&t tf£ J3t*u" 
those of his own blood and kindred falling into poverty 
to be preferred thereunto before any other. The ac- 
counts relating thereto to be audited annually in the 
week next before Easter, at which a dinner was to be 
provided out of the funds of the estate. The will was 
proved during the protectorate of Cromwell, on the 
22nd of May, 1658. 

For some years the trust was properly attended to, 
until ahout 1680, when from the deaths of nearly the 
whole of the trustees, it became the subject of a chan- 
cery suit ; the decree relating thereto was made on the 
16th of July, 1681, whereby it was ordered that Fran- 
cis Stringer, of Sutton, the only surviving trustee, 
should give up his trust, which in future should be 
vested in the Corporation of East Retford ; this took 
place on the 29th of July, in the same year. 

In consequence of the building being old and much 
decayed, the Corporate body resolved to pull it down, 
and erect a new one in its stead ; this was done in 
1806: over the entrance which fronts the west end of 
the church, is the following inscription. — " Please do 
Dieit, ex dono, Richardi Sloswicke Generosi, re-built 
1806. Beaumont Marshall, George Thornton, Gent. 



€%t aim* H?oug^ 137 

Bailiffs/ 9 It is finished in the mezzo-gothic style 
of architecture, and forms a comfortahle asylum to 
those whom age and infirmities have reduced to he* 
come its inmates. Of late years it has chiefly heen 
filled up by aged burgesses, and others, who were pen- 
sioners on the Corporation funds ; but however great 
may be the claims which burgesses possess, I apprehend 
the donor never contemplated that it should be appro- 
priated to their benefit exclusive of other inhabitants 
resident in the borough, if such had been his intentions 
they would undoubtedly have been so expressed in the 
Will, but so far from that being the case, neither the 
Corporation nor burgesses are either mentioned or 
hinted at. At present the allowance to each poor man 
is two shillings weekly. The estate originally left for 
its support, lets for £83 a year and upwards. 

THE ALMS HOUSES. 

It is generally understood that the documents relating 
to this ancient charity are entirely lost, and that the 
estates with which it was endowed have either been 
sold, or so mixed up with the other estates of the Cor- 
poration, as to be undistinguishable. Who the founder 
was is likewise involved in the same mystery. Until 
1823 the Alms Houses occupied a place on the west 
side of Carrhillgate, but were in such a dilapidated 
condition, that the Corporation resolvod to take them 
down; the site was sold, and the present building 

T 



138 $?teiarg ot metfortf* 

erected near Chapelgate, forming part of the west side 
of an intended street, from thence to Newgate Street. 
The number of houses have been augmented from seven 
to nine, each of which affords shelter to two poor 
women, who are appointed by the Corporation ; which, 
with the exception of a certain quantity of coals yearly, 
comprises the whole of the benefits they receive. 

THE DORCAS CHARITY. 

Under the foregoing title a charity was instituted in 
January, 1823, for the purpose of furnishing the poor 
with clothing at a cheap rate. Patroness, Her Grace 
the Duchess Dowager of Newcastle. At present it is 
supported by annual subscriptions of 5s.* each from 
about one hundred and twenty individuals of the town 
and neighbourhood ; and judging from the last published 
report, its finances are in a flourishing condition, 
(having a balance in the savings bank of £73 5s. Ad.) 
The business is superintended by eight ladies, and 
a treasurer ; and any poor person wishing to be relieved 
must apply to a subscriber for a ticket, upon shewing 
which, on the day of sale, they are allowed to purchase 
such articles (at half price) as they or their children 
stand most in need of. The number of individuals 



• There are those who subscribe more : 10s. entitles a subscri- 
ber to two tickets; \5s, to three; and of £1 and upwards to four. 



38etu&oIrat £otittie*. 139 

benefitted by this charity during each year amounts 

nearly to two hundred. 

Treasurer.— Mrs. Beckwitk. Secretary.— Rev. T. F. Beckwith. 

BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES. 

This Borough contains five of those useful and pro- 
vident associations, called " Sick Clubs," which at 
present are held at the different public houses ; but in 
consequence of a deficiency in the funds, it has been in 
agitation to have the business transacted in a private 
room, and to be at no expence whatever save a dinner 
at the anniversary. The " St. George's Indepen- 
dent Lodge of Odd Fellows/' have likewise a fund 
in a highly flourishing condition, and from the princi- 
ples upon which it is founded, no doubt is entertained 
of its being a great and lasting benefit to those bro- 
thers who are members thereof. 

Besides these institutions there are others both of 
a charitable and religious nature, such as the Lying-in 
Charity, the Bible Society, the Church Missionary 
Society, &c. &c. which our confined space alone pre- 
vents from more particular notice. 



CHAP. VIII. 

PuSICc aSutlbtngs, m$v$i$, &c— C|je Square, $a\ 
— 1E%t Coimt l^all — ©be C&eatre— €!>e |£eto* 
3Bnom— Cj&e |9o^t (©ffire— Cj&e 3Sanfc— Cfie 
®ffltorftjwu$e-- Cfie JBrifrge— C$e 3Sroafc Jptime* 



THE SQUARE, AND THE MARKET PLACE. 

There is perhaps no town of the same magnitude in 
England that can hoast of a more spacious Square and 
Market Place, than this ; in form it is a kind of i I-, and 
let the stranger approach it from what quarter soever 
he may, his mind will at once be impressed with the 
neatness and elegance which is every where visible 
around him. The Great North Road, in a kind of 
circuitous direction, runs through the centre of it; when 
journeying northward, the traveller has the Market 
Place to the right, and the Square to the left. The 
old Town Hall, which stood upon the same ground as 
the present one, was erected in 1389, and pulled down 
in 1754. 

About one hundred and thirty years ago the Market 
Place was unpaved, and a ditch, or common-sewer, was 



©fje Square, &r*' 141 

open from north to south, hy the side of which stood 
five old trees ; in consequence however, of the ill effects 
which the noxious effluvia arising therefrom, had upon 
the health of the inhabitants, it was ordered to be 
covered in, the trees were taken away, and the Market 
place paved in a regular manner. There is, however, 
no doubt but that it had been paved at some ante- 
cedent period, as a pitched pavement, about three feet 
below the present one, has been found in several parts 
of the town. 

The west side of the Square is chiefly occupied as 
private residences, at the west end of the south side is 
the banking establishment of Messrs. Sir W. B. Cooke, 
Bart. & Co. the major part of the remaining buildings 
are converted into respectable shops. The market is 
held on Saturday ; and, according to one of the charters, 
the Corporation have the right of taking tolls upon 
corn, &c. coming into the market for sale, which right 
they formerly exercised, but of late years it has been 
liberally dispensed with. At a common hall held on 
the 18th of March, 1776, " It was ordered that the 
tolls of corn, fruit, and the bridge be free from the 5th 
of April following/' and the resolution was ordered to 
be advertised in the Nottingham, York, and Cambridge 
papers. There is one evil however yet remaining which 
demands particular notice, but, by directing the 
attention of the proper authorities thereto, it will 
probably be shortly remedied ; I allude to the practice 



142 f&tetarg of 3£Utftirtf, 



of forestalling, which is here carried on to a most 
shameful extent, to the great injury of the inhabitants; 
this not only extends to the buying up of the fruit, &c. 
(by the hucksters, who attend here from Sheffield, and 
other parts of the south of Yorkshire,) but also to 
butter, fowls, eggs, &c. Surely a stop might be put 
to this increasing evil : if the Corporation would appoint 
a- proper person to look after these matters, and 
determinately resolve to punish all those dealers who 
are found guilty of regrating or forestalling, we should 
then cease to hear the numerous complaints which 
are weekly made ; the town's people would have an 
opportunity of enjoying the necessaries of life at a more 
moderate rate, — the poor would be greatly benefitted, 
and the inhabitants generally would hail it as a measure 
fraught with the most advantageous consequences. 

The market which is held on Saturday is tolerably 
well supplied with fish from Hull, which, in consequence 
of the steam packets plying daily from that port to 
Gainsbro', is generally fresh, and of a good quality: 
river fish is also plentiful, and the large eels from the 
Idle need no recommendation here. The shambles are 
supplied with beef, mutton, &c. not inferior to any in 
the kingdom ; indeed few places are so advantageously 
situated in this respect as Retford. To the east of 
the town is the finest tract of rich grazing land, along 
the course of the river Trent, that England can pro- 
duce ; whilst to the west the mutton which is fed from 



::.d'u 




V^ 



8 

i 



C&e Cafon $?all, 143 

the produce of sandy soils fully supports the name 
which from time immemorial has characterized the 
hreed of forest sheep. The fairs are two in the year, 
viz. on the 23rd of March, for cattle, &c. and on the 
2nd of October, for hops, cheese, &c. A hop market 
was likewise established a few years back, it is held on 
the first Saturday in November. 

THE TOWN HALL. 

It is greatly to be regretted that whilst other places 
have had their historians, and their draughtsmen, Ret- 
ford should for centuries have been devoid of both ; 
this deficiency cannot however, be said to have arisen 
from a lack of objects, because, (until within the last 
century) few places of the same size could boast of 
a greater variety, amongst which the old Moot Hall, 
may not inappropriately be mentioned ; now however, 
no traces of it are left, and no sketch, to my know- 
ledge, at present in existence. In form it was some- 
thing similar to the present one, though of smaller 
dimensions, built on the same site, chiefly of wood, in 
the post and pan style ; the roof very long, and covered 
with heavy slates ; the windows, of which it contained 
six, were totally devoid of glass, its place being supplied 
by iron stauncheons; with doors of wood inside to pre- 
vent the intrusion of the weather ; the main front was 
to the east, with the entrance in the centre, its approach 
being by a flight of very broad stone or wooden steps. 



144 *fetet*t$-*t asutfartr* 

The roof was surmounted by a small cupola, of a very 
antiquated appearance, containing a bell, but no clock ; 
this bell was rung at the commencement of the 
markets, and was also used for summoning the inhabi- 
tants to attend the courts, the sessions, &c. Under- 
neath the hall, were the shambles similar to the present. 
The body of the hall was usually appropriated to the 
performance of theatrical and other amusements, until 
at length it was deemed imperatively necessary to take 
it down, to prevent it from falling, and on the 5th of 
August, 1754, the Corporation resolved upon its de- 
molition. 

The foundation of the present structure was laid in 
the year 1755 ; great precaution was used to secure its 
permanency, in consequence of the defective state of 
the sub-soil, the corners as well as some other parts 
were laid upon old millstones : the elevation is from 
two plans, one by Mr. White, and another by Mr. 
Watson ; the former gentleman devised the decorations 
over the centre window, the latter nearly the whole of 
the remainder. In the tympan, which forms a trian- 
gular projection, are placed the armorial bearings of 
the town, which are two falcons respecting each other, 
upon a handsome shield, cut in freestone. The centre 
of the roof is finished by a neat cupola, surmounted by 
the four quarters of the horizon and a weathercock ; 
under this the bell on which the clock strikes, is sus- 
pended, and a dial is placed on each of the principal 



€&e Cuhm ?£}aU, 145 

quarters. The entrance is at the north end, and 
the visitor is particularly struck with the neatness and 
elegance which presents itself to the eye on entering 
the place; at the upper end of the room, — which is 
seventy feet by twenty-six feet, and twenty feet high, is 
an elevated bench, and upon the floor, a table, &c. used 
for the purposes of the quarter sessions which are here 
held for the borough, as well as those for the northern 
division of the county ; this end is circularly finished, 
and the diameter is supported by four light fluted pil- 
lars of the Ionic order, which make an elegant finish to 
the part appropriated to the administration of justice. 
This room is extremely well lighted by twelve square- 
headed windows, the upper parts of which are plain 
and neat : on the inner side, over the entrance, is a tri- 
angular pediment highly ornamental, the upper angle 
of which is terminated by an artificial basket of flowers, 
executed in a superior manner: the workmanship of the 
ceiling displays considerable taste, more especially the 
centre and spandrills ; the trellis work being completed 
by four ornamental knots ; the whole finished by 
a rich and handsome cornice. To the left of the 
magisterial bench is a pair of folding doors leading to 
the council room, which is used by the Grand Jury at the 
sessions : this room is twenty feet by twenty-six feet, 
and though completed in a plain manner, with the ex- 
ception of having a cornice similar to that in the great 

room, yet a degree of neatness characterizes the whole. 

u 



146 Hfetnrg oi ZZttiov*. 

Over the fire place is a well executed portrait of King 
James the First, in his full robes of state, presented to 
the Corporation by His Grace the Duke of Newcastle : 
to the left is a large closet where the books belonging 
to the Retford Bench are kept ; and to the right is the 
hutch where the charters and other documents, pertain- 
ing to the Corporation, are deposited. In this room 
the meetings of the body Corporate are held, and here 
also, the county Magistrates hold a petty sessions every 
other Saturday. The great room is appropriated to the 
assemblies of the gentry of the town and neighbourhood, 
which are here, like angels' visits — " few and far be- 
tween ;" other public meetings too, are by permission 
of the bailiffs, generally held in this place. Under- 
neath these two rooms are the shambles ; the situation 
is perfectly adapted to the purpose, and great care has 
been taken in their formation for cleanliness and con- 
venience, so much so, that a recent traveller describes 
them as being "the best in the county/' 

THE THEATRE 

Is situate on the west side, and nearly in the centre, 
of Carrhillgate, and was erected in 1789, by the late 
Mr. Pero, then manager of this circuit, who purchased 
the ground of the late Sir Thomas Woolaston White, 
Bart. Its exterior appearance is certainly not of a very 
imposing nor prepossessing character, but its interior, 
(from the improvements and decorations which it has 



€6* $t\n$ 3ftnom\ 147 

recently received from the pencil of Mr. Fraser) cer- 
tainly entitles it to rank in the second class of country 
theatres. Its dimensions however, it is to be regretted, 
are too circumscribed, and, from a combination of 
local circumstances, d.o not admit of any enlargement 
on the ground plan. The house is calculated at the 
ordinary prices of 3s. boxes, 2s. pit, and Is. gallery, to 
hold from £40 to £50. The corps dramatique gene- 
rally attend once in the year, and upon the whole have 
been tolerably well patronized, for which Mr. Manly, 
the present highly respected manager, from his high 
and public spirited conduct in catering for the public 
amusement, is entitled to the thanks of all those who 
profess to be lovers of the drama. Several of the no- 
bility and gentry in the neighbourhood have, at times, 
become its patrons. It is worthy of remark, by way 
of conclusion, that this was one of the earliest provincial 
theatres that the celebrated Master Betty visited in 
his professional tour. Miss Fearon, now Madam 
Fearon, delighted the Retford audience before she ap- 
peared on the London stage ; and during the last year 
Miss Foote gratified the admirers of the drama here 
with a fine specimen of her abilities. 

THE NEWS ROOM 

Is situate on the east side of the Marketplace, and 
was erected by the Corporation some years ago. The 
subscribers, which consist of about forty gentlemen of 
u 2 



148 Hfetors nf aaetforfc, 

the town and vicinage, are admitted by ballot the first 
tuesdays in January, April, July, and October, and pay 
each an annual subscription of £1. lis. 6d. No stran- 
gers are admitted but through the introduction of 
a member, except officers of the army and navy. Sub- 
scribers confined by illness have the use of any paper 
the day after its arrival, except the Sunday papers, 
which are not allowed to be taken away until the fol- 
lowing tuesday. The room is commodious and suitably 
adapted to the purposes to which it is appropriated, 
and contains full length portraits of George the Second, 
and his consort Caroline, presented a few years back 
by Lord Viscount Galway. 

THE POST OFFICE. 

The Post Office is situated on the north side of 
Newgate Street, in a very convenient situation, being 
only about forty yards from the high road, — it is kept 
by Miss Elizabeth Barker. Letters from hence are 
forwarded to the north every noon, and to London, and 
the south at half-past one every afternoon, (Saturdays 
excepted to the former place.)- The office is open 
every morning at eight o'clock, and continues so until 
twenty minutes before twelve, it is open again a few 
minutes before two, and remains so until ten at night. 
By order of the Post Master General, a penny extra is 
charged upon every letter (besides the postage) de- 
livered at the residence of the person belonging to the 
same. 



€$e 2Sattiu 149 



Immediately on the arrival of the North Mails, (at 
a little before two o'clock,) a Mail Cart which arrives 
at half-past eleven every morning, is immediately 
despatched to Worksop, taking letters, parcels, &c. 
for that place and its immediate neighbourhood. 

THE BANK. 

This respectable establishment under the firm of 
Messrs. Sir W. B. Cooke, Bart., Childers, Foljambe, 
and Parker, is situate on the south side of the Square, 
at which, attendance is every day given (sundays ex- 
cepted) from ten o'clock till one, and from two till 
four, and on Saturdays from nine till five. London 
Bankers, Messrs. Coutts & Co. It is worthy of remark 
that this is the only country Bank, in England, which 
draws upon that eminent firm. 

THE WORKHOUSE. 

For a long series of years this parish was without 
a house of accommodation for the residence of the 
paupers belonging to it, until they were opportunely 
relieved by the liberal conduct of the Corporation, who, 
on the 29th of September, 1817, at a public meeting 
in the Town Hall, proposed, through the medium of 
the Town Clerk, to build a Workhouse, upon receiving 
a rent from the parish equal to £5 per cent, per annum, 
upon the money actually expended in erecting and 
completing the same, without any other consideration 



150 W*tov$ of a&etforfc* 

for the ground rent, (which was their property,) or for 
the materials belonging to the old houses then occupy- 
ing the situation. 

The premises were erected in 1818 ; they are suffici- 
ently commodious, and the house well adapted to the 
various purposes to which it is appropriated. Twenty 
six parishes are joined to this as a head, who pay an 
annual rent of £3, and 3*. a week each, for every 
pauper they may have occasion to send thither. 

THE BRIDGE, 

Which crosses the Idle and connects the parishes of 
East and West Retford, was partly re-built, and con- 
siderably widened, in 1794, under the superintendence 
of Mr. Simpson, the architect. It now consists of five 
arches, and although it cannot boast of any peculiar 
elegancies, it is sufficiently spacious and substantial to 
answer all the purposes for which it was erected. So 
insecure and dangerous had the old bridge become, that 
in 1793 a waggoner, from the shaking of his team, was 
actually precipitated into the water, owing to the giving 
way of the sole of the bridge. 

THE BROAD STONE. 

Nearly in the centre of the Square stands the Broad 
Stone, around which the market for the sale of corn is 
held. It is generally supposed (and oral tradition is 
the only evidence we possess respecting it,) that this 
Stone formerly stood on an eminence to the south-east 




C/oiv-yi &ea/. 




(Joroac/ rMone. 



Cfie 3Sroatr Jptcme* 151 

of the town, that place being known in ancient times 
by the name of u Est-croc-sic," but now by that of 
" Domine Cross." In all probability, this stone was 
once the point of attraction, around which our fore- 
fathers used to assemble for the purpose of celebrating 
public worship ; since then, however, it has been differ- 
ently appropriated, and during the time the plague 
raged so dreadfully in this neighbourhood, the markets 
were held near the spot, in order that the country peo- 
ple might not be deterred, through fear of taking the 
infection, from bringing in their different wares for the 
use of the public. Another stone exactly of the same 
form and dimensions, is to be observed in the church- 
yard wall at West Retford, which formerly occupied a 
place on an elevated piece of ground, near the road 
leading to Barnby Moor, in West Retford field : here 
too, it is probable, a market was held, under circum- 
stances similar to those above narrated. 

At what period the Broad Stone was removed from 
" Domine Cross/' is unknown, but to the extent of the 
recollection of the oldest inhabitant, it has stood in the 
Market Place until the year 1818, when it was removed, 
by order of the bailiffs, to its present station ; it is now 
in an inverted position, having a square hole on the 
under side, similar to that at West Retford. 



CHAP. IX. 

€ty (&vtat N aril) &oatf— C5e Btznx$ *t afUtfartf 
— €bt CJesUrMif Canal— CJje mbtv 3Me, &*♦ 
— Cfte Car* an& Cnmmrm& 



THE GREAT NORTH ROAD. 

It must be acknowledged, that Retford, standing on 
the line of the Great North Road, from Edinburgh to 
London, is considerably enlivened and benefitted by the 
constant succession of travellers whose business or 
pleasure may lead them to visit or pass through it. 
Formerly, however, it did not contribute much to the 
welfare of the town, but passed across the forest, 
leaving the present line at Markham Moor, and enter- 
ing it again at Barnby Moor: from this circumstance 
may be inferred the paucity of information which we 
possess respecting the state of the town at different 
periods of its history, as it was considered out of the 
course of general tourists, and consequently but little 
noticed. One traveller, however, seems to have made 
Retford in his route, — I allude to drunken Barnaby, 



€ljt <&vwt WortS 3aoatr. 153 

who, in one of his peregrinations to the north, took up 
his quarters here, and of which he wrote in his usual 
rhyming style as follows, — 

" Thence to Retford, fish I fed on, 
And to th' adage, I had read on, 
With carouses I did trim me, 
That my fish might swim within me, 
As they had done heing living 
And in the river nimbly diving." 

About the middle of the eighteenth century, the ad- 
vantages of bringing the line of the North Road through 
Retford, became quite apparent to the inhabitants of 
the town and neighbourhood. I find the following 
minute in the books belonging to the Corporation. 

"Jan. 26th, 1757.— It was ordered that the Town 
Clerk should write to Mr. Bright, the junior bailiff/' 
(who was then in London,) " desiring him in the name 
of the bailiffs and burgesses to apply to the Members 
of Parliament for the Borough, to bring a Bill into 
Parliament to make a road or turnpike from where 
the old guide post stood upon Markham Common, to 
a bridge upon the North River in Scrooby parish, and 
that he should wait upon the county members, desiring 
their concurrence and assistance in getting the same 
enacted." 

For some years after this, however, the measure lay 
dormant, and, as is generally the case in most new un- 
dertakings, numerous obstacles presented themselves, 
which were not fully overcome until the year 1766, 

x 



154 $?feton> oi Metforfc* 

when an Act of Parliament was obtained, the preamble 
of which runs as follows. — 

"W&fytVt&Z, the road leading from Bawtry, in the 
county of York, through Barnby Moor and East Ret- 
ford, in the county of Nottingham, and from East 
Retford to the south end of East Markham Common, 
called the West Moor, where it joins the Great North 
Road, leading from London to York ; and also the road 
from Little Drayton, to a certain bridge, called Twy- 
ford Bridge, in the said county of Nottingham, is 
narrow and ruinous, and cannot be sufficiently repaired, 
widened, and kept in repair, by the ordinary course of 
law : May it please, &c. 

In this Act one hundred and sixty eight trustees are 
named, out of which two only now survive ; these are 
A. H. Eyre, Esq. of Grove, and his brother the Rev. 
Archdeacon Eyre, of Bab worth. The first general 
meeting of the trustees was held at Mr. John Booth's, 
the Crown Inn, at East Retford, on friday, May 9th, 
1766, 

From this time a new sera commenced in the history 
of this town, and the vivifying rays of commerce began 
\o shed their invigorating influence over the town and 
neighbourhood. The heavy carriages which were then 
employed in the conveyance of merchandize, and all 
letters intended for this part of the country, came di- 
rect to the town, and Retford began to assume an ad- 
cljtipna! importance and respectability. 



THE DEANRY OF RETFORD. 

According to ecclesiastical jurisdiction, Retford is 
in the diocese of York, and the Archdeaconry of Not* 
tingham, of which county it forms one of the Deanries. 
According to Burns,* "the institution of Deanriesj 
bears a resemblance and relation to the methods and 
forms of civil government, which obtained in the early 
ages of the church throughout the western empire/' 
The office was instituted in this country, at an early 
period of its history, which gave to the persons dele- 
gated thereto, an authority over all canons, presbjters, 
and vicars, until Otho, (the Pope's legate) required the 
Archdeacon to be present at the holding of the Chap- 
ters, who being superior to the rural Deans, took the 
presidency out of their hands, since which period, many 
of the Deanries have existed but in name, and the 
business devolved upon the Archdeacon, or his official, 
who transacted it at his annual visitation. 

Anciently Retford formed one of these Deanries, it 
however, now, but nominally exists ; nevertheless, the 
power is still vested in the hands of the Archdeacon, 
who holds his Visitations every year in the Parish 
Church, where the clergy, churchwardens, &c. of the 
following places (composing the Deanry) are required 
to attend. 



* Ecclesiastical Law. 
x 2 



156 



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©Ik IBeanrK oi Mttioxts. 157 

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ARCHDEACON,.. The venerable John Eyre, M. A: Bah worth; . . . ,. 

OFFICIAL,.. Rev. John Staunton, L. L. D, "Staunton; REGISTRAR,.. 

C. G. Balg-uy, Esq. Nottingham; APPARITOR,. .Mr. W. PearsoHy 

East Retford. 



158 W$tovp oi Mttiov%< 

THE CHESTERFIELD CANAL. 

This highly useful undertaking, which forms a pro- 
minent feature in the history of this place, was begun 
in the year 1771, and first opened throughout the 
whole line on the 12th of September, 1777. Previous 
to this, the northern districts of this county were 
greatly deficient in that mode of commercial inter* 
course, and the trade much clogged and impeded from 
the high rate of land carriage. In the year 1770, the 
scheme appeared so manifestly advantageous, and its 
result so certain, that an Act of Parliament was ob- 
tained, constituting 175 individuals, as trustees of the 
body corporate, under the title of " The Company of 
the Proprietors of the Canal Navigation, from Chcs* 
terfield to the River Trent ;" to have perpetual suc- 
cession, and a common seal. The ground space on the 
line specified in the Act, including the canal, towing 
paths, ditches, drains, fences, &c. was not allowed to 
" exceed twenty-six yards in breadth, except in such 
places where the canal shall be raised higher, or cut 
more than five feet deeper than the present surface." 

By another clause it is enacted that no person or 
persons whatever, " shall cause to be erected or built 
any wharf or warehouse, or other building, upon or 
within one hundred yards of either side of the said cut 
or canal, in any part of a certain common called East 
Retford Common, between a point of the said canal, 
beginning ten yards west of the south-east corner of 



Cfj* £&esterftcltr Canal* 159 

a certain ground or garden in East Retford aforesaid, 
belonging to the heirs of John White, Esq. deceased, 
and now or late in the occupation of William Wilson, 
adjoining the said common, and a certain place called 
the Spaw, situate upon the said common." 

This canal enters the county of Nottingham near 
Shireoaks, and after passing Worksop, Osberton, and 
Babworth, in a circuitous course, comes into this pa- 
rish in the south-west, and just skirting the town on 
the south, it suddenly changes its course towards the 
north, and after passing through eleven or twelve 
parishes, falls into the Trent at Stockwith. The dis- 
tance from Chesterfield to Stockwith, taking the line 
of the canal, is about forty-six miles, and from Noi> 
wood its regular fall is three hundred and thirty-five 
hct. 

The quantity of land taken up in this parish by the 
excavations, banks, &c. was the property of those free- 
holders of Retford, who possess the right of pasturage 
upon the cars and commons, amounted in the aggre- 
gate to six acres and fourteen perches ; the canal 
company's allowance for the same, was £47. 7s. 6d. 
which sum, on the 5th of November, 1778, was agreed 
to be expended in draining the cars and commons 
agreeably to Mr. Varley's plan. 

From Retford to Stockwith, the canal is on a more 
extended scale, and the locks double the width they 
are from Retford to Chesterfield. Thus wc find from 



160 ?£?t£turg xs£ mttUv*. 

a memorandum in the books of the Corporation of this 
place, dated the I3th of September, 1775, that it was 
resolved by the bailiffs and aldermen, that £500 should 
be borrowed by the Corporation, and the same sum 
paid to the Chesterfield Canal Company for making the 
canal from East Retford common to Stockwith upon 
a larger plan, whereby vessels of greater burden can 
navigate the said canal, than otherwise would have 
been the case. 

To enumerate the advantages which have already 
resulted to the town and neighbourhood from this su- 
perior method of communication, would be quite super- 
fluous ; suffice it to say, they have been generally felt 
by all classes ; and, although the principal aim of the 
original projectors was the export of agricultural pro- 
duce, and the importation of coals from the adjacent 
mines in the county of Derby, together with that of lime, 
timber, and other heavy articles ; yet, the facility of 
intercourse which it ensures with our home markets, 
and the communication it offers with the port of Hull 
and consequently with every part orthe globe, renders 
it the medium of imparting the necessaries of life, at 
a rate more moderate and easy than any other which 
has yet been devised. 

The canal company have a commodious ware- 
house for the reception of corn and other commodities, 
at which, an attendance is given by Mr. William Welch, 
their sub-agent and warehouseman. The canal passes 
over the river Idle on the south-west of the town. 



€S>e Mibtv 3£trle, &*♦ 161 

THE RIVER IDLE, ETC. 

To some of my readers it may appear strange, that 
a subject, apparently so trifling and insignificant as the 
Mills of Retford, should be deemed worthy of notice; 
nevertheless, from their great antiquity, and the laud- 
able purposes to which the rents and profits were 
originally appropriated, they demand a brief notice. 
Alan de Bolleshour, about the beginning of the thir- 
teenth century, gave to his nephew, Henry Norrays, 
and his heirs, the moiety of the Mills of Retford, with 
the suits, works, fishing, and all customs ; at whose 
decease they descended to the next heir at law, — Philip 
de Houlecotes, his cousin, who gave the said moiety to 
the abbey of Wellebek, according to the tenor of the 
charters of King Richard I. and King John, for the 
sustentation of two chaplains in the church at Welle- 
bek, and of one in his church at Stirape, to celebrate 
divine service for ever, for his soul. During the great- 
est part of the reign of King John, this Philip was 
accounted a very great man, he served the office of 
Sheriff of Northumberland, and had writs to free him 
from scutages, &c. He died without male issue, leaving 
five sisters who divided the inheritance amongst them; 
and the moiety of the Mills of Retford, amongst other 
property, falling to the share of Alice de Stirape, she 
confirmed the gift which her brother Philip had thereof 
made ; after which, Hamelin de Buggethorpe, and 
Margaret his wife, coming into possession of the pro- 



162 WZtOVQ Of Mtttovn. 

perty, (Margaret being the second sister of the said 
Philip,) they also confirmed the gift to the said abbey, 
and all other donations which their predecessors had 
made.* After the demise of all the sisters, the inheri- 
tance became the property of the crown. On the 17th 
of April, 1227, O. S., King Henry III. gave to the 
abbey of Wellebek, the Mills of Retford, to be holden 
of him in fee-farm, paying £10 per annum, saving to 
the heirs of Ralph Tessun, (a very distant branch of 
the same family,) if he should recover his inheritance 
in Watelegh (Wheatley) of 40s. per annum, which the 
said abbot and canons were to pay over and above the 
£10 per annum. 

Hubert de Burgo, Earl of Kent, and Justice of 
England, who was lord of the manor of Wheatley, con- 
sidering the love of God, and for the safety of his own 
soul, and of his wife's, Margaret (the daughter of the 
King of Scotland,) and of their heirs, gave to God, and 
the church of St. James at Wellebek, and the canons 
there serving God, and to serve God, 40s. yearly rent 
which he had out of the Mills of Retford, which the 
above named Ralph Tessun was wont to receive ; and 
likewise granted that his men of Wheatley should do 
suit to the said Mills of the said abbot and convent, 
according as they ought and were wont. 

On the 8th of May, 1265, it was adjudged in the 

* Register de Wellebek, page 167. 



€ljt Mibtv 3Me, &*♦ 163 

Court of Exchequer, that the men of Retford should 
also do suit to the Mills of the abbot and convent of 
Wellebek, at Retford, duly as other the king's bur- 
gesses and sokemen then did ; and it was there noted 
that the men of Retford, who would be called burges- 
ses, were the king's sokemen, and so called in 
Doomsday book. Hugh Levyn, and other men of Ret- 
ford, withdrew themselves from the suit, whereupon 
the abbot, in the year 1276, procured a writ to the 
sheriff to distrain upon them according to the previous 
judgment.* 

In the 37th Henry the Third, John Power, Robert de 
Morton, Oliver de Barton, and John Stirapp, were as- 
signed to view the passage of the river Idle, through 
the towns of West Retford, Bolin, Tilne, Sutton, 
Lound, Mathersege, Scrooby, Scafteworth, Claworth, 
Everton, and Herewell ; and to cause them to be clean- 
sed and scoured, in regard that by their obstructions 
with sand, weeds, and the like, the lands and meadows 
of divers persons had been overflowed and drowned. 

Again in 1388, Will, de Skipwith, Robert de Mor 
ton, Oliver de Barton, Elias de Thoresby, John de 
Bekering, Will. Power, of Tylne, and John de Whetlay, 
were constituted commissioners to view the course 
of the river Idle, through the towns of Elkessay, 
Gamelstone, Eton, Ordeshall, Est Redforde, West Ret- 



• Com. term Mich. 4 Ed. 1. 
y 2 



164 Wztoxp xj£ aftetfartr, 

ford, Bolum, Tylne, Sutton, Lound, Mathersay, Thorpe, 
Scrooby, Scafte worth, Claworth, Everton, Harewell, 
and Hayton ; which, for want of cleansing, had drown- 
ed the lands of sundry persons, and to cause the same 
to be scoured. 

This property continued in the quiet possession of 
the abbots of Welbeck, until the dissolution of the 
monasteries, when it again became the property of the 
crown ; it was then valued at £2. JJs. Ad. per annum ; 
shortly after, by some means, it came into the hands 
of the Corporation of Retford, where it now remains. 
On the east side of the river is a large and commodious 
corn mill, tenanted by Mr. Thomas Foster ; a large 
building also adjoining, erected some years, was at first 
used as a manufactory for candlewick, but it is now 
used by Mr. Foster, as a warehouse : on the west side 
of the river is an extensive paper mill, in the occupa- 
tion of Mr. Horatio Nelson, it was erected in 1794. 

The river Idle (by whose waters the above mills are 
propelled,) can scarcely be said properly to assume 
that name, until it comes to a point a little north of 
Palethorpe ; it is there formed by the junction of two 
streams, one of which rises in the forest between Kirkby 
and Newstead Abbey, and is called the Maun ; the 
other named the Meden, rises in the vicinity of Hard- 
wick, near Sutton in Ashiield. The Idle, after this, 
runs nearly in a northerly direction through Thoresby 
and Houghton Parks, to Retford, where, after passing 



C&e Car* atttr €omm(m$. 165 

through the cars, it forms the boundary between the 
parishes of East and West Retford ; its course then 
takes a zig-zag direction to Mattersea, thence north- 
west to Bawtry, where it suddenly alters its course to 
the east, forming for some distance the boundary be- 
tween the counties of York and Nottingham, after- 
wards traversing the car near Misterton, it empties 
itself into the Trent near its junction with the Chester- 
field Canal, at the north-eastern angle of the county. 

Formerly the Idle was navigable from this place to 
Bawtry for boats and other small craft ; it is now, 
however, what its name imports it to be — completely 
idle, as far as navigation goes, and in all probability 
will so remain. On the 25th of June, 1757, It was 
resolved at a meeting of the Corporation of Retford, 
that four of the aldermen should be empowered to in- 
quire into the possibility of making the river Idle navi- 
gable from Retford to Stockwith, and to report to the 
body accordingly ; but whether the scheme (from the 
expense,) was found to be impracticable, or whether 
the idea of a canal was suggested to them, does not 
appear, as no report whatever is entered on the Corpo- 
ration records. 

THE CARS AND COMMONS. 

Anciently these cars and commons were the property 
of William de' Anne, Lord of Noraisfee, of Greenley, 
who held them along with other lands adjoining in that 



166 HJfetDrj) ot Mtttovlt. 

parish, until the year 1319, when he granted " to all 
the men of Rettforde/' their heirs and assigns, the 
"common pasture, with all manner their cattle in the 
Mikelmore of Rettforde, and in Dallcroft, and in the 
marsh, which is called Rettforde Karre, and in the 
Holmes which are hetween the waters/' as they had 
been accustomed to have, so that they might be able at 
any time of the year to common in the aforesaid pla- 
ces "with all manner their cattle, and to mow with 
scythes, and to take away what they had mown/' pro- 
vided that they should not afterward "mow or common 
in Greenley meadows which are between the waters." 
He also granted to the said " men of Rettforde, their 
gates in all places in the circuit of the town of Rett- 
forde, to have free ingress and egress to their gates, 
and with free chase and rechase with their carts and 
animals, in all places in the circuit of the said town." 
He also further granted that they should " have and 
hold their fair in Dallcroft as usual without impedi- 
ment, so that they and their heirs, and any merchant 
or other person coming to the said fair should not be 
disturbed or distrained of their goods in the aforesaid 
place, during all the time of the fair ;" for all of which 
grants, the "men of Rettforde" gave him "a certain 
sum of money/' not specified therein. 

Formerly a considerable portion of the cars and 
commons was of little value, being chiefly marsh ; lat- 
terly, however, considerable improvements have been 



©Je <£ar£ antr Commmtg. 167 



made, (chiefly under the direction of the late John 
Kirke, Esq.) so that instead of a bog, they present 
a fine open space to the south and west, and as they 
will not be built v^pon, tfyey are likely to embellish the 
environs of the fown, and contribute in a great measure 
to the health and longevity of the inhabitants. The 
quantity of land in the whole is about 50 acres, and the 
right of pasturage is vested in those freeholders who 
have obtained "gates/" either by purchase, or by heir- 
ing property in the town to which they were attached. 
Of these gates there are 276, the value of each being 
estimated at about £20. 

Connected with this subject, in some measure, is the 
common-sewer which divides the borough from the 
hamlet of Little Greenley, because, it proceeds from 
the common, which was, on the 1st April, 1282, granted 
by Alexander fitz Henry le Norays, as follows. — 

" All that Foss which is called the Beck between my 
Fee of Grenelay, and the Fee of the Lord the King, 
and of the Burgesses of Retteford, with all its. length 
from Est-croc-sich, unto the water of the Yddel with- 
out any retenement, have I procured to be impleaded 
to the said Burgesses ; to have and to hold to the 
said Burgesses and Commonalty and their heirs, freely, 
quitely, &c. in right, in fee, and in inheritance, for ever, 
with free regress and ingress and other easements to 
the said Foss pertaining." 



CHAP. X. 

0li$ttllantau$ ®vtitlt&—'&bt pairing*' 3San£ — 



THE SAVINGS BANK. 

This laudable institution commenced on the 16th 
of February, 1818, under the patronage of His 
Grace the Duke of Newcastle, the Hon. J. B. Simpson, 
A. H. Eyre, Esq. John Kirke, Esq. the Rev. Archdca* 
con Eyre, and others ; Treasurers, Messrs. Sir W. B. 
Cooke, Bart., Childers, Foljambe, and Parker ; Secre- 
tary, John Mee, Esq.; and Clerk, Mr. Aid? G. 
Thornton; this latter situation being the onlv one 
whence any profit or pecuniary remuneration is derived. 

Deposits of one shilling and upwards are received, 
(and bear interest as soon as they amount to twelve 
shillings and sixpence,) at the house of Mr. Thornton, 
in the Square, every monday morning from ten to twelve 
o'clock. 

A few years after its commencement, the directors 



JMn ftolmea'* Moom. 169 

found that the purposes for which the bank was 
established, were considerably abused, by persons in- 
vesting money therein to a large amount, from mercenary 
motives, whose stations in society did not entitle them 
to do so : a resolution therefore was agreed upon, that 
no person should deposit any sum or sums exceeding 
£50 in the whole, in the first year ; or exceeding £30 
in the whole, exclusive of interest, in any subsequent 
year: nor should any person deposit any sum whatever 
which shall make the sum to which the depositor is 
entitled £200 in the whole, exclusive of interest. 

At the last annual audit, in November, 1827, the 
number of depositors amounted to 833, and the amount 
by them deposited to £33373. 2s. Td. making a trifling 
decrease during the year ; yet if we take into consider- 
ation the low ebb of agricultural affairs, and conse- 
quently the general depression of trade, no cause need 
be apprehended of any serious decay in the interests 
of the institution. 

MR. HOLMES'S ROOM. 

I have deemed it proper to give the following descrip- 
tion of a building, which, although private property, is 
not only deserving of notice, but well worthy the atten- 
tion of every person whose taste may lead them to 
admire the works of antiquity. 

John Holmes, Esq. an old inhabitant of East Retford, 
has erected on the premises adjoining to his house, 

z 



170 UBiorg at Sftetfnrtr, 

a Gothic building which he occasionally uses as an 
auxiliary library, or summer reading room. It has 
windows looking east, west, and south, which are en- 
riched with painted glass. The south windows contain 
several portions of the scripture history of Joseph, in 
ancient glass, brought from the Continent to England 
during the time of the irruption of the French armies 
into many European states, several other portions 
whereof had been buried for safety, and were thus des- 
troyed. The eastern lancet windows were constructed 
under Mr. Holmes's directions from models in the 
chapel at Bishop Aukland ; and the great western win- 
dow was executed by that ingenious artist, Mr. Miller, 
of Regent Street, (London,) upon plans suggested by 
the proprietor. The interior of the library is wholly 
composed of very ancient carved oak, brought from 
distant places, and forms a rich storehouse of interest- 
ing materials, well preserved from decay, and arranged 
in a method harmonizing with a building supposed to 
be erected in early times. The book-stands, tables, 
desks, chairs, and other furniture, exactly correspond. 
The room is about ten yards long, and is much visited 
by the curious. 

mr. john Hudson's room. 

Mr. Hudson, who resides in Carhillgate, has a con- 
siderable collection of interesting curiosities, consisting 
ef carving in wood> bone, and ivory; a variety of ancient 



jHt% Joim $?uir*ott'S Moom* 171 

rings, swords, pistols, crucifixes, Roman pavers, coins, 
medals, old prints, &c. &c. collected by him within the 
last fifteen years. 

The oak sofa, (see the engraving,) is of the age of 
James I. it contains two drawers under the seat in 
front ; its length seven feet, breadth twenty inches, and 
height of the back four feet. It was purchased at 
Scarbro', in 1825, and altogether forms a useful appen- 
dage to a room, whilst it displays a fine specimen of 
carving in days long since departed. 

An ivory crucifix too, is an interesting relic of anti- 
quity ; the body is fully and most beautifully developed, 
particularly the toes and feet, which have been exe^ 
cuted with the greatest nicety. 

An ancient pistol-sword, of singular and curious 
construction. The pistol, which is rifle barrelled, is 
concealed by a shield in front of the sword handle, and 
has evidently been intended as an instrument of sure 
destruction. 

The chest, (of which the accompanying plate is 
a correct representation,) is a very interesting relic, 
well preserved from decay ; it was found some years 
ago in the ruins of the Abbot's Palace, formerly be- 
longing to the Franciscan Convent, at Scarbro\ It 
was purchased of the individual who found it, by Mr. 
Carter,* who, shortly after sold it to its present posses- 

* Mr. Cole, of Scarbro', the intelligent author of "Hervie- 
ana," "History of Ecton" fyc. tyc. has given a very interest- 
ing account of this chest in a publication entitled " The 
Repository." 



172 W*tov$ *l Metfrsrtf* 

sor. This chest is made of hammered iron, ahout one- 
eight of an inch thick, and hound with thin hars of the 
same metal, so as to divide it into compartments as 
represented in the drawing. The key hole on the front 
is false, and only placed there for ornament ; it has been 
richly gilt, as has also the outward border or frame, 
in the stile of French foliage ; all the innner compart- 
ments have been painted with various devices, chiefly 
landscape: the handles and bases are painted with na- 
tive cinnabar; the cover, which is represented open, is 
almost covered with the lock, of curious workmanship, 
having live strong bolts, which when the cover is put 
down, lock themselves, and are opened by a key in the 
centre of the lid, the key hole of which, is hid with 
a sliding bar ; the enrichment on the front of the lock 
is curiously chased and fitted up with white metal, 
not unlike silver, the inside of the chest is painted with 
native cinnabar or vermillion, as is also the support of 
the lid. 

DR. WRIGHT, 

An eminent dissenting minister, eldest son of the Rev. 
James Wright, was born at East Retford, January 3rd, 
1683 ; but losing both his parents when in his infancy, 
the care of his education devolved upon his grand- 
mother, and his maternal uncle. Having finished his 
studies under Mr. Jollie, at the academy at Attercliffe, 
near Sheffield, he became chaplain to several families 
of distinction in or near London, During the long pe- 




HE'DPJ (tlllT 



$L 



^?^y^M^_ 



caA 



'•cy 



PuKlas."h.ed \y J.Cole. Scaarbro: 



38{oStap5kal g>fcett|ies, 173 

riocl of thirty-eight years he was pastor of the church 
in Blackfriars, and became so much admired as a 
preacher, that Dr. Herring, afterwards Archbishop of 
Canterbury, frequently went to hear him, to learn from 
him a just elocution. During his life-time he printed 
thirty-seven single sermons, chiefly at the request of 
those who had heard them delivered. His practical 
works are considered to be highly important, fully an- 
swering the noble ambition which he expressed in the 
preface to his " Treatise on the Deceitfulness of Sin." 
" I had rather be the author of a small book that shall 
be instrumental to save a soul from sin and death, than 
of the finest piece of science and literature in the 
world that tends only to accomplish men for the pre- 
sent state of being." Dr. Doddridge justly observes 
"that his treatise on being born again, is one of the 
most useful, published in that age." He expired on 
the 3rd of April, 1746, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. 

MR. THOMAS GASKIN. 

Although the subject of the following brief memoir 
was not a native of this place, it may not be inappro- 
priate if we mention it here ; his spending a consider- 
able portion of his life within the borough will offer an 
excuse for so doing. 

Mr. Thomas Gaskin was born at Ordsall, near this 
place, on the 24th of June, 1738, of poor but respect- 
able parents, and on attaining a proper age, was bound 



174 W&tovs oi MttUv*. 

an apprentice to a shoemaker of Retford, who was also 
a burgess ; consequently, on the completion of his ap- 
prenticeship, he was entitled to the privileges of a 
freeman, and at his decease was the oldest burgess 
upon the list, or what is generally denominated " the 
father of the Corporation." 

A short time after the expiration of his apprentice- 
ship, Mr. Gaskin, obtained a situation in the excise, which 
he filled with great credit until an accident obliged 
him to retire from the service, when a pension of about 
£30 a year was allowed him ; this he retained, with 
some augmentations which from time to time were 
made, until his death. It is not, however, from this 
circumstance, that Mr. G. claims our notice, but from 
the miserly habits in which he indulged for several of 
the later years of his life ; so penurious, that he would 
not allow himself the common necessaries of life, but 
subsisted chiefly upon what he could pick up in the 
streets ; and as to his dress,* it consisted of a texture 
of rags of various qualities and colour, so tacked toge- 
ther, as to have defied Argus himself to have pointed 
out the original. His distrust of the world was as 

* In an electioneering squib, printed in 1802, the following 
lines occur respecting his dress, which he wore for upwards of 
twenty years afterwards. 

" Had I been this fam'd poet, I'd have wrote 
'Bout Gaskin's bald old hat, or worsted coat; 
No man dare undertake to count the stitches, 
Or take the grease in nine days from his breeches." 



JStograpinral l^ktU^tZ. 175 

great as his love of money, not daring to trust his 
savings in the hands of any person, hy which he be- 
came a considerable sufferer, as in one of his annual 
journeys to Derby to receive his rents, his abode was 
broken open, and robbed of bills and cash to the 
amount of upwards of £500. His house was truly 
a miserable abode, and the little furniture, which had 
descended to him from his father, appeared, at the 
time of his death, not to have been cleaned or even re- 
moved from their situation for several years. Mr. Gas- 
kin lived and died a bachelor, and until two or three 
years before his death, resided along with his sister, 
who, either from example, or from principle, had be- 
come nearly as penurious as himself. On the 22nd of 
December, 1822, he was found dead in his own house, 
lying with his face on the floor of his chamber, and his 
extremities on the bed. A coroner's jury, which was 
held on the body during the following day, returned 
their verdict that the deceased had " died by the visi- 
tation of God/' 

JOHN KIRKE, ESQ. 

Few towns arc more fortunate in the birth of au in- 
dividual of integrity, than is East Retford, in the 
birth of John Kirke, Esq. He was born at this place, 
in the year 1777, and entered early in life into his 
Majesty's service. Whilst his regiment lay in Ireland, 
be married the daughter of Sir William Richardson, 



176 W&ovp oi Mttiovls. 

Bart, of Augher, in the county of Tyrone, and shortly 
afterwards retired from active service, and settled in 
his native town. Immediately after this, he was ap- 
pointed one of his Majesty's justices of the peace for 
this county, the multifareous duties of which he faith- 
fully discharged to the latest period of his existence. 
In addition to this office, he was elected an alderman 
of this borough, in the year 1816, and succeeded to 
the magisterial chair in the year 1817. He also be- 
came lieutenant colonel of the Yeomanry Cavalry, 
commanded by his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, and 
the same conduct, which invariably characterized his 
career in the army, alone predominated whilst en- 
trusted with this important duty. His demise took 
place rather suddenly on the 23rd of February, 1826, 
to the great grief of his family and friends. 

MR. JOHN CLIFTON. 

This eccentric individual who was a native of this 
town, was by trade a staymaker, in which he is said to 
have excelled ; but this business was far from being 
congenial to his ideas, and in the after part of his life, 
his sole attention was directed to the making of tele- 
scopes, electrifying machines, &c. &c. and, although 
being a man whose mind 

" Fair science never taught to stray- 
Far as the solar worlds or milky way/* 

he was not deficient in scientific lore, which was greatly 



$Hi\ Jo£ti Clifton. 177 

assisted by strong natural abilities. He was particu- 
larly fond of fireworks, in the making of which, he 
greatly excelled. After his death, which took place on 
the 10th of July, 1816, his sister looking over his 
furniture and effects, found a tin canteen full of pow- 
der, for manufacturing fireworks, which she was ad- 
vised to bury, instead of which, she put it into the 
fire; it immediately exploded, and threw part of the 
end of the house down, blew the windows and door 
completely out, and so dreadfully lacerated her arm 
and body, that she shortly afterwards terminated her 
own existence, in consequence of the severe sufferings. 
Mr. Clifton was greatly patronized by the neighbouring 
gentry, who entered into a subscription to assist him 
in commencing business as a mathematical and nautical 
instrument maker, and obtained for him a situation in 
the Hospital at West Retford ; nevertheless, he was so 
intent upon his favourite studies, and neglectful of his 
health, that he died almost from want. 



2 A 



WEST RETFORD. 



CHAP. XL 

(Sftntral 39t£trfpttcm, &<*♦— €De 19arf$& CStmS— 
Catalogue oi fyt &tttov&— ^olp Crtnitg |^o^ 
jutal— €£e dfrn Jprljaxil— Baptists' iHeetmjg: 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION, ETC. 

To a stranger, the village of West Retford appears 
to be part of the borough of East Retford, being 
only divided from the latter place by the river Idle, — 
but this is not the fact, as they are entirely distinct, 
not only in municipal government, but in every other 
respect. 

In Doomsday book, this place, as well as East 
Retford, is joined to Odesthorpe, (now unknown,) 
and appears to have been like a number of the sur- 
rounding parishes, the property or fee of Roger de 



(Crural 39tdrriptfon, $*♦ 179 

Busli,* and to have had soke to Clumber to the 
amount of one bouvat and a half (about twenty-two 
acres) to be taxed, which was waste or forest land. 
There was also soke to Weston, half a bovat to tax. 
The land about sixty acres ; there was also one villain, 
(that is, a native or bondman,) one-fourth of a mill, 
and four acres of meadow. Of the Tayn land, Ulmer 
had two bovats and a half to tax in this manor. The 
land one caracute (about 120 acres.) There was also 
in this demesne, one caracute and half a mill, and ten 
acres of meadow, which, in the Confessor's time, was 
valued at 40s. but in the Conqueror's, only at 4*. 
About the year 1298, Thomas de Maresey, lord of 
Gamelston (Gams ton) held here eight bovats (about 
120 acres of land,) at the rate of 6s. per annum. Ro- 
bert de Hayton also held eighty acres of land here, at 
the same period, part of which was of the fee of Lan- 
caster. 



* This individual was a member of the great northern house 
of Montgomery, and with the Norman hero appears to have 
been a particular favourite. According to Doomsday record, 
he was possessed, in this county alone, of one hundred and seven- 
ty-four manors, being the greatest part of ninety townships, 
besides very many other towns, which were partly or altogether 
soke to some of them. His seat in this county was at Blyth, 
and in Yorkshire, at Tickhill. The whole of which property, 
was valued in the Confessor's time, at 30s. but in the Con- 
queror's, at 10s. He died in 1099. 
2 a 2 



180 WLtZt mtiox*. 



The manor of West Retford formerly belonged to 
the same proprietors as Grove and Weston, — the brave 
family of the Hercys, until the time of the last Sir 
John Hercy, Kt. who dying in 1570, without issue, di- 
rected his immense patrimony to be divided amongst 
his eight surviving sisters, one of whom, Anne, the 
second sister, was married to Nicholas Denman, Esq. 
of West Retford, on whom, and her heirs, he caused 
this manor to be settled, and in whose family it re- 
mained, until Barbara, daughter and co-heiress of 
Francis Denman, Esq. married Edward Darrel, Esq. to 
whom the family right descended : the issue of this 
marriage was three sons, Thomas, Brian, and Edward ; 
the two former dying without issue, the whole became 
the property of Edward, with which, at his decease in 
1665. he founded and endowed that excellent charity, 
the Holy Trinity Hospital. The advowson of the 
church was, by a fine in the year 1342, between Tho- 
mas de Everingham and Richard de Ampcotes, plain- 
tiffs, and Hugh de Hercy, of Grove, deforcent, settled on 
John de Hercy, in whose family it continued till the 
time of the Denmans, to whom it went along with the 
manor, from them it descended to the Darrels, the 
trustees of whom, sold it to the Corporation of East 
Retford, on the 5th of May, 1668, in whose posses- 
sion it is still retained. 

Nearly the whole of the landed property in this 
parish belongs to the hospital, the church, and the 



(&tntvzl 33t*mj)ti<m, &t. 181 

poor; so that the number of freeholders is limited. 
In 1612, the following persons were owners of property 
here, viz. — Edward Darrel, gent., John Podge, gent., 
Phillip Collye, Thomas Lincolne, Isabel Sloswicke, 
John Colbye, Robert Gollande, George Thompson, 
Thomas Me rebeck, William Booth, William Thomson, 
Thomas Gollande, Widow Jenyver, and Richard Ellis. 
It appears from the Register book, (which com- 
mences in 1538, and is in most excellent preservation,) 
that, that once dreadful scourge of the human race — 
the plague, was extremely prevalent at this place in 
1558, 

« Sublime in awful darkness, trod 

The pest ; and lamentation, as he slew, 

Proclaimed his ravage in each sad abode, 
'Mid frenzied shrieks for aid — and vain appeals to God. ,v 

Between the 22nd July and the 12th October, eighty- 
two persons died thereof: and again in 1664, between 
the 20th May and the 10th October, the same autho- 
rity states, that sixty-six persons fell victims to this 
terrible calamity. This extensive mortality may, in 
some measure, be attributed to the low and swampy 
situation of part of the town, and from the noxious 
effluvia arising from the stagnant waters, — the remains 
of the frequent floods of the river Idle. Latterly 
however, from superior drainage, and other precau- 
tionary measures, these nuisances have greatly abated : 
the last flood of any consequence came on, on Tuesday, 
the 11th of February, 1795; it was so sudden in its 
rise, that many of the inhabitants had not time to 



182 WLtZt aaeifortr. 



remove their goods, and consequently became consi- 
derable sufferers. A grocer's shop, and part of the 
house occupied by Miss Hurst, were washed down, 
and four others nearly destroyed. Jn East Retford it 
was upwards of three feet deep in the Market Place, 
and the torrent ran so violently as to tear up the 
pavement in different parts of the town, which was 
nearly all, more or less, under water. 

The village of West Retford is pleasantly seated on 
the Great North Road, in the Hatfield division of the 
Hundred of Bassetlaw, and separated from East Ret- 
ford by the river Idle. A dash of rural beauty per- 
vades a considerable portion of the village, and many 
of the houses bear the stamp of antiquity. Nearly 
opposite to 

" The decent church that tops the neighbouring- hill* 

stands the rectory-house, which, though small, is neat, 
and very agreeably situated: a shrubbery and garden 
add to its beauty, whilst the whole wears an appear- 
ance of cheerfulness and content. On the southern 
verge of the village is the mansion of Peter Dickonson, 
Esq. ; when viewed from the banks of the Chesterfield 
Canal, it bounds a prospect of great beauty and pic- 
turesque effect, being pleasantly situated on the brow 
of an eminence, the declivity of which is studded with 
shrubs and evergreens, whilst the dark Idle sullenly 
flows at its base. To the right the spire of the church 
shoots above the towering poplars, and the wide ex- 



f 







<£&e partSS CimrcS. 183 

tended cars, like a lawn, forms the foreground of this 
very interesting picture. On the opposite side of the 
Worksop road to Mr. Dickonson's house, stands Dan-el's 
hospital, of appearance beautifully picturesque ; the 
ancient appearance of that part of the building which 
forms the recess, being shaded by curiously clipped 
yews, casts a sombre shade of retirement over the place 
which marks it as the court of solitude and peace. 

On the north side of the road in the vicinity of the 
village, is the delightful residence of James Lee, Esq. 
(once the property of the Emerson's family,) an exten- 
sive and variegated lawn, highly ornamented with shrubs 
and trees, displays itself before the principal front, and 
though lying upon a flat, the home views are pleasing, 
and those towards the Gringley and Mattersey hills are 
of a very interesting description. The rural beauties 
of this place are so impressive, that they attracted the 
particular attention of his present Majesty, then Prince 
of Wales, when on one of his journies to the north. 

THE PARISH CHURCH. 

The church at West Retford, which is dedicated to St. 
Michael, was originally a rectory of medieties, founded 
fearly in the thirteenth century, and the patronage 
shortly after became vested in the family of the Hercys of 
Grove ; notwithstanding which, there was an inquisition 
taken in 1267, about the right of patronage to the 
mediety of this • church then vacant by the death of 



184 W,tSt 2&etfrsrtr. 

Robert de Bugethame, of Weston, "from Saturday next 
after the feast of our lady's nativity/' and the compe- 
titors were Galfred de Sto Medardo, who presented 
Robert de Sun field, CI. ; Henry, Rector of the Romans, 
who presented John de Dersel, CI. ; the Archbishop of 
York, who by reason of lapse collated John de Benyng- 
worth ; and Robert de Morteyn, who presented Roger 
de Redynge, CI. ; when the presentation of the Arch- 
bishop of York was deemed to be conclusive. The 
following vacancy happened in 1276, when Prince Ed- 
ward, by reason of the wardenship of the heir of Hugh 
de Hercy, presented Thomas Fitzsymon thereunto ; 
afterwards the medieties were consolidated on the 13th 
of December, 1307. 

The present edifice is small but ancient, standing 
upon an eminence* nearly in the centre of the village, 
and consists of a nave and south side aisle ; it has 
a handsome octagonal spire upon a square tower, with 
three tolerably good bells. The exterior of the build- 

* Butler observes that " churches dedicated to St. Michael are 
usually to he found on elevated spots, in allusion to this Saints 
having been the highest of the heavenly host." St. Michael's 
mount in Cornwall, and that in Normandy, are confirmatory of 
this remark. 

The festival of St. Michael has been celebrated with great 
.solemnity by the christian church ever since the fifth century j 
the dedication of the great church of Mount Gargano, in Italy, 
being said to have given rise to its celebration in the west. 



€bt ^arteS €i>\\vtl). 185 

ing is in excellent repair, but the interior is far other- 
wise, especially the pewing, which is in a very neglected 
state, there being very few which will afford a comfort* 
able seat. On the 20th of May, 1788, it was agreed 
by the Corporation of East Retford, that a faculty 
should be obtained for building a new loft in the south 
aisle, and for re-pewing the body of the church, but 
from some cause or other, it has not yet been carried 
into effect. 

The tower and steeple are more ancient than the 
body, which is certainly not older than the sixteenth 
century: the monumental inscriptions in the interior 
are few, and not of an old date ; there are some floor 
stones of the fifteenth century ; and three within the 
altar rails, on one of which I find the following ; — 

Utr jatc*t tfu tUc&ert l^olme quotfa xtov tetitttlit 
$. oHit geptimo trte $anuarg anno tfm mUXtmo 

In the centre is an ornamentally engraved cross, 
with a bible and chalice. On the one adjoining,- — 

JSarfcara £3ar*l (ffittbartri J3ar*l 9rmtg*rt urov 
yvttZtntibu* rftara $o$Uxi* torflrtrata ftfr in fytm 
vt&bvtttionte vtqhit^cit oHit £f 53E marttt a? H™ 

On the border circumscribing this — 

"Wtbtt $o*t funtra btrtte." 

The inscription on the other is illegible. At the east 
end of the south aisle are three others of about the 

'* B 



186 



WltSt Mttiavls* 



same age, but they are partly obliterated, and partly 
covered with pews. 

A Catalogue of the Rectors of West Retford. 



TEMP. INST. 



26Kal.JuniiI227 



1 3th Decern. 1307 
7Kal. Feb. 1315 

7 IdesMarch 132C 
6th May, 1366 
15th. Feb. 1377 

14th. March,1401 

February, 1407 
1 February, 1418 
13th Jan. 1420 
10th March, 142! 
24th Sep. 1426 

7th July, 1452 

25th May, 146 1 

26th Mav, 146 1 
2lst March, 1481 

27th March, 1491 
4th Septem. 1521 

26th Sep. 1578 
2 1st Jan. 1595 
9th July, 1600 
14th Aug*. 1642 

1659 

1678 



. 1760 

Nov. 20th 1787 



RECTORES ECCLE. 



Dms Thos. de Carlton, pbr acl. 

medn. Eccle 

Dms Robt. de Bug-ethame, vil 

Weston, CI 

Dms John de Beuyng worth 

Dms Thomas Fitz Symon 

Dms Robert de Retford, CI 

Dms Thomas de Hercy, CI. med 

Eccle 

Dms Robert Norays, de Wynter- 

ingham ... 

Dms John de Ketilthorpe, Pbr 

Dms John Lesta de Settrington . . . 



Dms William Mylne, Pbr . . . 

Dms Richard Warsop, Pbr. . 
Dms Thomas Peusar, Pbr . . . 
Dms Thomas de Bramley, CI .. 
Dms John Frankysh, Pbr. . . . 
Dms John de Dyninglowe . . . 

Dms Robert Holme, Pbr . . . 



Dms Thomas Coke, Pbr 

Dms Thomas Coke, Pbr 

Dms Thomas Cooke, CI. B. A. . 

Dms Robert Harpham, Pbr . . . 

Dms Thomas Elton, Pbr 

Dms Nicholas Pettinger, CI . . . 
Rev. Francis Denman, CI 

Rev. Zacharias Jenkinson> CI. . 

Rev. Thomas Bishop, CI. M. A. . 

Rev. William Darell, CI 

Rev. William Ombler, M. A. .. 

Rev. Thomas Gylby, M. A. . . . 

Rev. William Booth, M. A. 
Rev. Abraham Youle, M. A. ..... 



Malvesin. 

de Hercy 



iEpus lap- 
sus 
King Ed- 
ward 

Dms Hugo 
de Hercy 

ijdem 

ijdem 

t. Hercy 

de Grove 
Dms Thos. 

Hercy 
ijdem 
ij dem 
ijdem 
lj dem 
Capit Ebor 
Hu. Hercy 

de Grove 
Eli z Hercy 

ux Hugo 

absent 
ijdem 

Humphr'y 

Hercy Arm 

Johnes 

Hercy 

Guilliemus 
Denman 
Francis 
Denman 

EdriusDa 

rell 

Barbara 

Darell 

Thomas 

Darell, Esq 
Corpora. 

of Retford 
Corpora. 

of Retford 

Ditto 



p mort 



Dim-is. 
sion 

p mort 

p. Resig- 

p mort 

p. Resig- 

p. Resig:, 
p mort 
p mort 
p resig- 
p mort 

p mort 
p resig- 

p mort 
p mort 

p mort 



p mort 
p resig; 

p resig- 

p mort 

p mort 

p mort 

p mort 

p mort 



$?olj> Crftuti) ?£o*j>ttaI, 187 

This living is a rectory in the gift of the Corporation 
of East Retford; when Mr. Hercy was patron, its 
value was twenty marks: in the king's books it is rated 
at £9. 13s. Ad. and pays for tenths, 19s.; for procura- 
tions, 6s. 8d.; for subsidies, 16s.; and for synodals, 2s. 
Incumbent, the Rev. Abraham Youle, M. A. 

The only mural monument worthy of notice has 
recently been erected, and is as under. 

Sacred to the memory of 

MARY, the beloved wife of 

the REV. ABRAHAM YOULE, M.A. 

who died October 8th, 1805, aged 42 years. 

Also of SUSANNAH MARIA 

their youngest daughter, who died July 23rd, 

1814, aged 12 years. 

Also their only son, 

the REV. EDWARD YOULE, B. A. 

Vicar of Apesthorpe in this County, 
who died April 24th, 1824, aged 33 years, 

HOLY TRINITY HOSPITAL. 

The following abstract from the will of the chari- 
table founder of this hospital, will not only explain all 
the circumstances relative thereto, but will render 
other details unnecessary. 

John Darrel, M. D. of West Retford, being siezed 
in his demesne as of fee, of, and in, divers messuages, 
lands, &c. of the value of seven score pounds per an- 
num, which descended to him from his ancestors, and 
having no issue of his body, by reason whereof the 
2 b 2 



188 m?£i a&etfattt* 



name and blood of his ancestors " in the lineal ' stemm ' 
was like to be spent and fail ;" and being zealous to do 
some pious work or public good therewith, was desirous 
that the same or such part thereof as is thereafter 
mentioned, should be disposed of to the glory of God in 
a work of charity to the poor. By his Will, elated No- 
vember 11th, 1664, he bequeathed all his said messuages, 
&c. (except such lands and tenements as he himself 
purchased,) unto the Hon. William Pierrepoint, Esq. 
the Hon. George Pierrepoint, Esq., Sir George Savile, 
Bart., Sir William Hickman, Bart., Anthony Eyre, 
Esq., Francis Stringer, Esq., and Francis Sandys, Esq., 
his executors, upon especial trust and confidence, to- 
wards the founding an hospital for the sustenance and 
relief of poor and impotent men, to the number of six- 
teen, to have continuance for ever. By his said Will, 
he appointed the Subdean of the Cathedral Church of 
the blessed Virgin Mary, in Lincoln, and his successors, 
master and governor thereof ; and that the said hospi- 
tal should be incorporated by the name of " The Mas- 
ter, and Governor, and Brethren, of the holy and undi- 
vided Trinity of JVest Retford, in the County of 
Nottingham y with full power and authority to pur- 
chase, take, hold, receive, and enjoy, and have, to them 
and their successors, all goods, chattels, lands, tene- 
ments, &c. under the said name ; and directing that 
they should have a common seal, with a cross graven 
therein., and in the circumference thereof " Sigillum 



UlcXp €xinitv ?£?os.pttaX* 189 

Hospitalis Sanctce Trinitatis de West Retford/' 
whereby the said master, and governor, and brethren, 
and their successors for ever, should, and might, seal 
any manner of instrument touching the said incorpora- 
tion. He also further directed that the said Subdean 
and his successors, upon the death of any of the 
brethren, should place others in the room or place of 
him or them so dying; preferring (if any) those of the 
blood and kindred of the testator, and after them those 
of the neighbourhood ; the master and governor for his 
pains and for his visitation, receiving £20 per annum, 
and every of the brethren £10 per annum. The 
testator also devised the advowson of the rectory of 
West Retford to his executors, to be by them sold, and 
the money arising therefrom, to be appropriated to the 
liquidation of such debts as should be owing at the 
time of his decease. He also directed that £10 per 
annum should be expended in the repairs of the said 
hospital, if the profits of the lands would bear it; he 
likewise bequeathed 40s. a year out of his said 
lands unto the governors of the Free School at Gains- 
bro', being a body aggregate in perpetual succession, 
for and towards the setting of the poor people of that 
town on work. The remaining part of the Will devises 
to his executors all the lands, &c. which he himself 
purchased, the profits of which were to be laid out for 
the maintenence of some ingenious scholar, whose fa- 
ther should not have above £30 per annum, in lands or 



190 2Me*t Mctfortf. 

estate, to be chosen out of Lincolnshire and Notting- 
hamshire by turns, upon the election of the said master 
and governor, and the archdeacon of Nottingham, and 
their successors ; the same scholar to be admitted and 
educated in Exeter College, Oxford; the said profits 
to be received by the said scholar for five years after 
he shall have taken the degree of Master of Arts ; or 
until he have been settled in some benefice which shall 
first happen, and no longer, and then another to be 
chosen and maintained in like manner. Lastly, the 
testator bequeathed to Mr. William Midwinter, of 
Gainsbro', £20 for past services, with a desire that he 
should be the overseer of the funeral, or in his absence, 
Mr. John Law, of East Retford, and Mr. Humphrey 
Hoole, and ordered that £20 should be expended there- 
upon, or more if they should think it necessary. 

A short time after Dr. Darrel's decease, (which took 
place on the 8th of March, 1665,) it was discovered 
that Thomas Darrel, gent, deceased, from whom pait 
of the estate descended, had, during his life-time, made 
some secret or other conveyance, of part of the said 
lands, amounting to the annual value of forty-five 
pounds, situate in the Biggins in the parish of Ordsall, 
to the Rt. Hon. the Lady Diana Cranborne. A decree 
of the court of chancery, however, put the executors in 
possession of the estate, but chargeable with the sum 
of £118, as well as £40 a year, to be paid to Richard 
Cooke and his heirs, for ever. On the 28th of May, 



p?o!g €vinitv ?£>o*pttaI* 191 



1680, Sir Orlando Bridgeman, keeper of the great seal, 
decreed that the number of the said poor impotent men 
he reduced to ten, to have the same allowance of £10 
per annum ; and that the yearly allowance of the mas- 
ter and governor should be reduced to £15 ; but that 
if the revenue of the said estate should at any time 
hereafter increase, then that the said master's allow- 
ance, and the number of poor men, should also be in- 
creased in proportion suitable to the advance of the 
estate. 

In consequence of the augmentation in the value of 
the estates, and a correspondent economy in the gene- 
ral expenditure, the trustees have been enabled, since 
the date of that decree, to increase the number of the 
brethren, so, as again to fulfil the will of the founder, 
and also to enlarge their annual allowance ;* thus en- 
abling them to spend their declining years in comfort 
and comparative affluence. 

The hospital is situated on the west side of the 
high road from Retford to Worksop, and was once the 
residence of the liberal donor; it is a low and ancient 
looking edifice in the centre, with two advanced wings 
in the same style ; at the end of these are two advanced 
fronts, erected in the year 1794, in a kind of mezzo 
Gothic style of architecture. The centre part is gene- 
rally denominated ( the hall/ in which prayers are 

* This, with other perquisites, now amounts to about £ 50 a year each, 



192 ©Host JRetfortr, 

read daily; the brethren are each provided with a folio 
edition of the hook of Common Prayer, and alternately 
officiates as chaplain quarterly, for which he is allowed 
fifteen shillings. The building is two stories high; 
over the entrance is placed the arms of Dr. Darrel, 
with the crest and supporters ; over the whole a small 
bell is suspended, which is regularly used to warn the 
brethren of the arrival of the appointed hour of prayer. 
The staircase consists of two short flights of steps, 
which, with the bannisters, are formed of old English 
oak ; on entering the chamber, the whole assumes a very 
antiquated appearance, — the work of years which have 
long since passed away ; here no painted nor papered 
walls salute the eyes of the visitor, but the whole is 
inlaid with empannelled oak, while over the fireplace 
is a simple but beautiful specimen of old English 
carving: in one corner hangs a number of old picture 
frames, which once circumscribed the portraits of the 
apostles and evangelists, — an appropriate decoration 
to the room ; whilst another corner gives place to " the 
common chest " which contains the seal and the various 
documents appertaining to the estate. 

THE FREE SCHOOL. 

Mr. Richard Brownlow, of St. Andrews, Holborn, in 
the county of Middlesex, gent, by Will, bearing date 
the 20th of March, 1691, devised and bequeathed the 
sum of £500 to be appropriated by bis executor, Mr. 



&i)t $vtt jfrtbotti. 193 

Stephen Johnson, of West Retford, as follows, viz. 
£100 to be laid out in erecting and building a Free 
School for the advantage of the inhabitants of West 
Retford : £300 to be laid out in the purchase of lands, 
the profits arising from the same to be paid to the head 
master of the Grammar School at East Retford, pro- 
viding he should teach all the boys of West Retford 
after they had been " instructed in the accidence" by the 
master of West Retford school ; and if no boys should 
be taught at the school of East Retford from thence, 
then the said profits were directed to be paid to the 
master at West Retford, for teaching the children of 
all the inhabitants there, who have not an estate above 
the value of £10 per annum ; nor goods and chattels 
above the value of £150 at the most. The remaining 
£100 to be laid out in fencing and improving the ox- 
pasture in Babworth Hill Field, for the benefit and ad- 
vantage of the commoners. 

For several reasons enumerated in the will of the 
said Mr. Stephen Johnson, dated 8th July, 1723, the 
bequests of Mr. Brownlow, could not be carried into 
effect, accordingly Mr. Johnson in his will, devised 
that £10 per annum should be paid out of his estate 
at Tilne, to the master of West Retford school, for 
teaching the poor children belonging to that place, and 
appointed the possessor of his estate, the rector of 
West Retford, the ministers of Ordsall, Grove, and 
Babworth, and their successors, trustees for the same. 

2 c 



194 «a**t Mtiiov^, 

By a codicil, dated June 3rd, 1725, the said Stephen 
Johnson devised unto Thomas Gylby, rector of West 
■Retford ;- John Pigot, minister of Ordsall; Stephen 
Cooper, minister of Grove; Richard Wilson, minister 
of Babworth ; and their successors, the cottage or 
tenement, in West Retford aforesaid, near unto the 
North Field Gate, then lately purchased of Mr. Ed- 
ward Hall, in trust, for the schoolmaster intended to 
teach the children, according to the directions contain- 
ed in the said will. 

Since that period the school has been conducted at 
West Retford, and has been productive of much bene- 
fit to the inhabitants generally. The building, how- 
ever, at present, is in a very delapidated condition, 
and the school room far too small to accommodate the 
increasing number of scholars. Mr. William Wragg 
is the present master. 

GENERAL BAPTISTS* MEETING HOUSE. 

This place of worship was originally bequeathed by 
Mr. Richard Brownlow, of London, for the continu- 
ance of which, he left certain property, as the follow- 
ing extract from his will will certify. 

"Furthermore, I do bequeath my newest messuage, 
one acre of land, two beast gates, and the five lands 
ends, to Stephen Johnson and his heirs, in trust, that 
he, or they, shall from time to time permit such meet- 
ing to be held there as is there now, for and during so 



<&tntvzl Baptist*' Mutiny $?ou£e* 195 

long time as such meetings shall he allowed by the laws 
of this realm, and shall also during the same time, per- 
mit and suffer the preachers of such meeting, for the 
time being, to have, use, occupy, and enjoy, the said 
newest messuage, one acre of land, two beast gates, 
and five lands ends, and the rents, issues, and profits 
of the same, free from all taxes, which I would have 
paid and discharged by the present possessor or occu- 
pier, for the time being, out of the profits of the pre- 
mises herein before given to my executor and my kins- 
man and their issue, male, as aforesaid, from time to 
time, as the said premises shall happen to come to him 
or them respectively,-— providing always that if such 
meetings shall at any time hereafter be prohibited by 
the laws of this realm, that the said newest messuage, 
&c. &c. shall be in trust for such person or persons to 
whom, and in such manner a& the premises herein be- 
fore given, to my executor and kinsman and their issue, 
male." 

The present building was erected in 1815, and al- 
though it presents nothing of importance in its outward 
appearance, its interior is not devoid of taste ; al- 
though plain and unostentatious, its cleanliness, and 
simplicity, is worthy of notice. In the centre of the 
aisle is the baptistry, used for administering the rite 
of adult baptism ; and to the west of the building is 
the burial ground, wherein is several headstones to the 
memory of those who have died in that communion, 
2 c 2 



196 WLt&t MetfmU 



FAMILY OF THE DENMANS. 

This family appears to be the most ancient in this 
neighbourhood, which has preserved its name through 
an uninterrupted succession of ages. At what period 
their settlement took place is too remote for me to 
state, but so early as 1430, such mention is made of 
them in several ancient documents, as evidently indi- 
cates them to have been rich and highly respectable. 
I have been at considerable trouble to ascertain what 
families have, at different times, been united with this ; 
for which purpose, reference has been made to the 
parish registers of East and West Retford, Ordsall, 
and Grove, but unfortunately without that success 
which was anticipated. It appears, however, that 
Nicholas Denman, Esq. of West Retford, married Anne, 
the second sister of Sir John Hercy, to whom the estate 
at West Retford descended : the issue of this marriage 
was one son, Francis, who resided at Old Hall, in West 
Retford, he afterwards married and had issue, two 
daughters, Anne and Barbara. Anne married Mr. 
afterward Sir Thomas Ailesbury, Bart. Master of Re- 
quests, in the time of James the first. They had one 
daughter, who was sole heiress, and subsequently mar- 
ried Sir Edward Hyde, afterwards Earl of Clarendon, 
and Lord High Chancellor of England, from whom 
descended Lady Anne Hyde, who was married to his 
Royal Highness James, Duke of York, afterwards 



dfrmtlj? ot fyt 33euman* 197 

James the Second, whose daughter Queen Anne, in due 
course of time, swayed the British sceptre. 

Barbara,* the second daughter, married Edward 
Darrel, Esq.t of West Retford, by whom she had issue, 
Thomas, born June 13th, 1607 ; Brian, born 1st May, 
1610; Edward, born 3rd June, 1613; and Francis* 
born August 7th, 1616; all of whom dying young, 
excepting Edward, the estate descended to him ; lie 
married and had issue, Thomas and John ; at the 
death of Thomas, the whole of the property descended 
to Dr. John, with which, under his Will, was founded 
and endowed the hospital at this place. 

About this period another branch of the family of 
the Denmans resided at Bevercotes, where they have 
ever since continued: and another branch settled in 
Derbyshire, from whom has descended Thomas Den- 
man, Esq. the eminent barrister. It is, however, to be 
regretted, that the pedigree of the family cannot be 
made out so correctly as to preserve the line of descent 
uninterrupted. This, however, does not in the least 
invalidate the correctness of the foregoing statement, 
nor tend to disprove the facts, but is merely the result 
of the defective state of the registers in the sixteenth 
century, and of negligence in not preserving the docu- 
ments pertaining to the family. The following pedi- 
gree of the Derbyshire branch is as correct as can be 
ascertained. 

* Died in 1603. f Died in 1626. 



198 



mt*t Mttlovls* 



John Denman 



I 
Thomas . . Anne Nicholson,* 
made a will I 
in 1734. 



Thomas, a bachelor, in 1691, 
made a will, and bequeathed pro- 
perty to his nephew, Thomas, and 
appointed him executor. 



John. .ElizabethBuxton, 
apothecary at I 
Bakewell. 



Joseph, M. D. at Bakewell, 
and at Buxton, died in his 83rd 
year in 1812, without lawful 
issue. 



Joseph 
John 
John 



Thomas, MB... Eliz. Brodie, Joseph & 



in London, died in 
his 83rd year in 
1815. 



(nowliv ingj others now 
living at 
Be ver cotes 



t Margaret . . Sir R. Croft, + Sophia . . Matt. Baillie, 
Bart, died in M D. died in 

1818. 1823. 



I 
+ Thomas. .Theodosia 
Common Ann Vevers, 
Serjeant of London, 
and Solicitor General to 
her late Majesty Queen 
Caroline. 



* William Nicholson, of Marnham, in this county, in 1702, made a will, 
and appointed his son-in-law Thomas Denman, sole executor, 
t All living, and have children. 



BABWORTH. 



CHAP. XII. 

(ffietural S^mptum, &c— €bt $arfei> CSuvd&, 
&<:♦— €£e Samlet of Manfij— Cfte Camlet oi 
JWoretoiu 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION, ETC. 

Before the Norman invasion, the greatest part of 
Babworth (then pronounced Babvrde) was the proper- 
ty of Earl Tosti, and belonged to the king's manor of 
Bodmeschell, paying the tax for six and a half bovats 
of land. Ulmer also held here two and a half bovats, 
but Roger de Busli procured the whole of it from the 
Norman Conqueror, and delivered it by feudal tenure 
to Goisfrid; in Doomsday-book it is certified to 
be one caracute and a half, with a boarder; pasture 
wood two quarents long, and one broad, which in 
the Confessor's time was valued at 40s. but in the Con- 
queror's, only at l(te. The following is the entry re- 
ferred to. 



200 aSafifoari^ 



.11 bo' 7 dimid IIII. bo' 7 d 

I..bou' |iht' tot' 7 7 

S In Baburde & Odestorp & Ordesliall I •*• bou trse & 

7 — 7 - .. - V1 

dim ad gld. Tra. III. car. Wast e. pter. I. uill & II 

— 7 u u 

bord. cu dimid car. Ibi. X. ac pti. 

_ - - 7 7 7- 

01 In Baborde. lib Vlmar. 11. bou trse& dim ad gld. 

7 9 7- 

Tra. II. car. Ibi Goisfrid ho Rog lit. I. car &. I 

7 7 u - 

bord cu dim .car. Silua past. II. qz Ig. & I. lat. 
T. R. E. ual". XI. sol". m°. X sol" 

For what period Goisfrid held it we are not informed., 
but in 1316, (according to Nomina Villarum,) the Earl 
of Lancaster, and Robert de Saundeby, are certified to 
have been the lords of it, and possessed the greatest part 
of the parish ; but the portion of the Saundby s had been in 
their family for several years previous: some time after 
the old feeoffment belonging to the Earl of Lancaster 
was purchased by Sir William de Grendon, who also 
held other property, about thirty-five acres of 
land, &c. in this parish, of Robert de St. George, of 
Bothamsall, and for which he paid the sum of 3s. 4d. 
annually. In 1355, nearly the whole of Babworth 
became the property of Sir Thomas de Grendon, who 
sold it in 1358 to Sir William Trusbutt, at whose death 
it descended to Sir Robert, his son, but, who within 
two years of coming into possession, sold the manor 
with its appurtenances unto Sir Richard de Willoughby, 
of Wollaton; afterwards it became the property of 



(KnuraX Btttxtytion, $cc. 201 

the Earl of Shrewsbury and Lord Cavendish, and in 
the 18th century it was purchased by Sir Gervas Elwes, 
and lastly by John Simpson, Esq. in whose descendants 
the estate is vested. 

The parish, which contains the hamlets of Great, 
and Little Morton, Morton Grange, and Ranby, con- 
tains nearly 6000 acres, of excellent forest land, mostly 
inclosed. The whole of the land in Babworth is the 
property of the Hon. J. B. Simpson, which he has in 
his own occupation, and upon which he has erected a 
steward's house, and farming buildings, upon a large 
scale . 

Babworth Hall, the seat of the Hon. John Bridgeman 
Simpson, (brother to the late Earl of Bradford,) is plea- 
santly situated on an eminence, a short distance from 
the Retford and Worksop road, about a mile and 
a quarter from the former place. Its vicinity contains 
some of the finest scenery in this part of the county, 
for which, it is, in a great measure, indebted to its pre- 
sent possessor, who, has lately increased the beauty 
and interest of the place by a fine piece of water, 
a swiss cottage, &c. 

Near the church, is the charming little sequestered 
residence of the Rev. Archdeacon Eyre, the rector, in 
which, comfort and elegance are blended ; and to whose 
worthy possessor, added to the kind patronage of the 
Simpson's family, the parish is much indebted for its 
internal prosperity, 

2 D 



202 Wahtoovth 



THE PARISH CHURCH, ETC. 

In 1295, the advowson of this church was the pro- 
perty of Rohert de Swillington, who had free warren in 
Babworth, and at his death, in 1355, it descended to 
Sir Thomas de Grendon, who, shortly afterwards sold 
it to Sir William Trussbutt, and his heirs, but who, 
within three years after taking possession, presented it 
to the priory of Newstead, having first obtained the 
king's license, and the license of Sir Thomas de Saund- 
by, chief and mesne lord thereof, to do so. From this 
period until 1531, it remained in the possession of the 
said priory, when John Blake, the then prior, on the 
4th of October in that year, for the sum of fifteen 
pounds, granted it, and one acre of land, to John Her- 
cy, Esq. of Grove, and to his heirs ; nevertheless, it 
appears that he only made one presentation, when it 
passed into other hands, and in 1674 became the pro- 
perty of the Wortleys, from whom it was purchased by 
John Simpson, Esq. in whose descendants the pa- 
tronage is continued. 

The church, which is dedicated to All Saints, is 
a small but handsome structure of stone, advantage- 
ously situated on a rising ground. It consists of a 
tower steeple, with three bells, and clock, a nave and 
chancel uniform in their windows, height, and battle- 
ments, with a side aisle and vestry, and a handsome 
porch. The whole is of the later period of the Gothic 



CSe parted Cfrurrfr. 203 

architecture. The little burial plot which surrounds 
it, is considerably elevated, being " connected with, or 
rather enclosed within the elegant pleasure grounds of 
the adjacent buildings ; while the fine trees, aged and 
bowery, enhance materially the charming effect of the 
ivy-mantled tower/' 

The monumental inscriptions here retained, are not 
of an ancient date, but the following are deserving of 
record. In the front of the eastern window, which is 
of purple glass, divided into five compartments, is a 
very elegant monument from a design by Repton, having 
the following inscription. 

Sacred to the memory of HENRIETTA FRANCES, the beloved wife of 
John Bridgeraan Simpson, Esq. whose grief for her early loss, can only be alle- 
viated by the consciousness that for virtue like hers, the gates of the grave 
shall open unto life eternal ! She died July 25th, 1791, aged 32. 

On another, near the above, surmounted by an urn, 
and backed with a pyramid of mottled marble, is as 
follows. 

Within the family vault of this church, are deposited the remains of the 
REV. JOHN SIMPSON, late of Stoke Hall, in the county of Derby, who 
died the 5th day of April, in the \ear of our Lord, 1784, aged 85. Religion 
the most pure, learning the most profound, were his characterestics ; every 
moral and social virtue he possessed and exercised in an eminent and amiable 
degree: he was honoured and beloved by all who knew him, and his death was 
sniversally lamented. Lady Bridgeman, his only surviving child, erects this 
monument in grateful remembrance of him. And also to the memory of her 
dear mother, who departed this life, in the year 1785, aged 75. She was the 
daughter of Thomas Stringer, Esq. of Deptford, in the county of Kent, and 
grandaughter of Admiral Benbow, of immortal memory. 

Another beautiful mural tablet has the following, — 

To the memory of JOHN SIMPSON, Esq. (son of William Simpson, Esq. 
late of this place, ) who died February 5th, 1727, and in the 57th vear of his age ; 
this monument was erected by Elizabeth, his relict, daughter of Francis Strin- 
ger, Esq. late of Sutton upon Lound, in this county. They had issue, six sons, 
"William, Francis, John, Gervase, Thomas, and Lindley, and four daughters, 
Elizabeth, Mary, Jane, and Eleanor : of the sons, two lye buried near this 
place, Francis and Thomas ; and of the daughters, one, Eleanor, the rest still 
survive. Underneath. .. .ELIZABETH SIMPSON, relict of John Simpson, 
died the 6th February, 1746, aged 76, and was buried near the remains of her 
beloved husband, in the chancel of this church. 

2 d 2 



204 33aIi&X3riI). 



Another monument, surmounted with an urn, bearing 
the motto " Duo Juncia in Una," has the following 
inscription, 

In this vault is interred CATHARINE SIMPSON, daughter of the Hon. 
and Rev. Henry Brydges, O.D. brother to James, first Duke of Chandois; she 
died justly lamented, 1st May, 177 1. In testimony of his high and sincere re- 
gard for her most amiable disposition and good heart, this monument was 
erected by her disconsolate widower, Lindley Simpson. Also in the same vault 
lie the remains of LlNDLFY SIMPSON, of Babworth, Esq. who departed this 
life justly regretted, the 8th day of February, in the year of our Lord. 1785. 

Another monument of white marble, in the form of 
a cone, sunnounted by the arms, bears the following. 

To the memory of WILLIAM SlMFSON, late of Stainforth, in the county of 
York, Esq. and FRANCES, his wife, daughter to John Elwick, Esq. formerly 
of the same plare, and Widow of John Eyre, late of Bramley, in the county of 
York, Esq. This monument was erected by his own appointment. He de- 
parted this life at Stainforth, the 1 6th of January, 1768, aged 7L She died 
the 2nd of April, 1762, aged 63. They lived much regarded, and died much 
lamented. They had four children, who died in their infancy. He married 
for his second wife, Elizabeth Warrington, daughter of George Warrington, of 
Wrexham, in Derbyshire, Esq. by whom he had no issue. She survived him. 

On another, 

This monument was erected in 1759, in memory of the HON. ANNA MARIA 
VANF, by her affectionate husband. Near this monument are deposited the 
remains of MORGAN VANF, Esq. of Bilby, in this county, son of the Hon. 
Morgan Vane, obiit Nov. I lth, An. Dom. 1789, astatis suae 51. 

A small sarcophagus in the body of church, records 
the following, 

Sacred to the memory of John Rogers, late of Ranby, in this parish, gent, 
whose remains lie interred near this place, he died the 2ncl day of March, 1798, 
in the 58th year of his age, universally beloved and lamented. 

A beiiefactional table informs us, that Lindley Simp- 
son, Esq. left to the rector of Babworth, one canal 
share, to be applied in teaching the poor children of 
that place to read, and in the purchase of Old and 
New Testaments, and other good books. 



CDe $aru& €^uxth 205 


^ Catalogue of the Rectors of Babworth. 


TEMP. INST. 


RECTORES ECCLE. 


PATRON I. 


VAC AT. 


14Kal.Mar.l295 


Dms William de Grendon, Sub 


Rob. de Swill, 
ington 






Dms Thos. Pepyn, Pbr 




Resig 


17 th May, 1 350 


Dms Will, de Borough, Cap . . 


Hercy de Gren- 
don 


Resig 


11th Oct. 1355 


Dms Will. Dobynge de Burgh 

CI ™ . ." 


Sir W. Truss- 
butt 
Prior&Convent 
of Newstead 




2nd Decern. 1356 


The same 


Resig 


14th July, 1410 


Dms Will, de Berneston 


ijdem 


Resig 


24th April, 14 1 
12th July, 1415 


Dms Will, de Burton 


ijdem 


Resig 

Mort 


Dms Will, de Tenelby de Grove 


ijdem 


39th Nov. 1417 


Dms Will. Tuxford, Pbr 


ijdem 


Resig 


15th Sep. 1419 


Dms John Large, de Keworth, 
Pbr 


ij dem 
ijdem 


Mort 


24th May, 1464 


Dms Thos. Mar) ore, Pbr. . . 


Mort 


4th Feb. 14S7 


Dras John Cotom 


ij dem 
ijdem 


Mort 


1 4th Feb. 1494 


Dms Thos. Guuthorpe . . . 


Mort 


1st July, 1536 


Dras Will. Higden, B. A 


ij dem 


Mort 


19th Aug. 1557 


Dms Nich. Pettynger, CI. . . 


Sir John Hercy 






Dms Robt. Lelly, CI 




Mort 


11 th July, 1586 


Dms Richd. Clyfton, CI 


Assig. of John 
Sydenham 






Dms Richd. Chester, CI 




Privat. 


6th June, 1 605 


Dms George Turvin, CI. M. A. 




Mort 


i4thOct. l6i7 


Dms Thos. Bishop, CI. M. A. . 


Marty n Taylor 






Rev. Thos. Denny, CI 




Mort 


1 7 th Aug. 1675 


Rev. Charles AVilton, CI. M. A. 


Anna Worsley 




9th April, 1 700 


Rev. Richd. Wilson 




Mort 


1727 


Rev. Wm. Justice . 


J.Simpson,Esq 


Mort 


T74.1 


Rev. Thos. Heald * 


WSimpsonEsq 


Mort 


1760 


Rev. Thos. Mellor 


ijdem 


Mort 


1769 


Rev. Wood 


John Simpson, 
Clerk 


Mort 


17S6 


Rev. John Eyre, M. A. . 


J. Simpson,Esq 
ijdem 


Vac at. 


T790 


Rev. Guy Fairfax . . , 


Mort 


T794 


Rev. John Eyre, M. A 


ijdem 





This church is a rectory, and the patronage is vested 
in the Hon. J. B. Simpson. Incumbent, Rev. Arch- 
deacon Eyre. It is valued in the king's books at 
£14. 19s. 2d. and pays for tenths, £1. 9s. \ld. and 

for synodals, 7s. 6tf. 



* In June 1759, this gentleman was unfortunately drowned whilst bathing 
in St. John's well, in the parish of Clarbro'. 



206 3Sa6iuort|h 



THE HAMLET OF RANBY. 

The land in this hamlet, in the Conqueror's time, 
was mostly waste, part of which helonged to the 
king's manor of Bodmeschell (Bothamsall). Ranesby 
and Suder shall, answered the tax for five hovats. The 
land was one caracute and a half, which was waste. 
There was also soke to Grove, belonging to the fee of 
Roger de Busli, amounting to half a bovat. Soke 
also in Eton, one bovat to be taxed. Ranby originally 
went along with Bilby, with which part of it is pa- 
rished to Blythe, and part of Ranby to Babworth. 

Here, is the seat of the Duchess Dowager of New- 
castle, lately purchased from H. Blaydes, Esq. who 
erected the front of the present mansion. The situa- 
tion of the house is pleasant and agreeably romantic, 
and her Grace, who has resided here for some years, 
has made considerable improvements in the walks, 
pleasure grounds, &c. which has greatly enhanced the 
value of the property, and shed a degree of beauty 
around the place, not otherwise particularly preposses- 
sing to the eye of an occasional visitor. 

John Rogers, Esq. has also a good house and exten- 
sive farm hi this hamlet. The high state of cultivation 
in which the land is kept, is highly creditable to Mr. 
Rogers, as a practical agriculturalist. 



CJe ^amltt ot fflovtton. 207 

Formerly Ranby was considerably larger than it is 
at present: until about the middle of the eighteenth 
century, several ancient oak trees, commonly called 
" Ranby Oaks," stood in the parish, which were pro- 
bably the only ones remaining in this part, of the 
famous oaks of Sherwood Forest. Now, however, the 
whole is in a high state of cultivation, or covered with 
thriving plantations of oak, larch, and other useful 
timber trees. 

THE HAMLET OF MORETON. 

In Doomsday-book, this hamlet is called Northern 
Morton, which, before the conquest, was held by two 
Saxons, Alfrid and Lufchell, paying to the tax for two 
bovats. In the Confessor's time it was valued at 16#. 
After the conquest, these two manors became the fee 
of Roger de Busli. Early in the thirteenth century, 
it was the property of the Vavasors, and after nume- 
rous changes, it now belongs to William Mason, Esq. 
and the Messrs. Kippax'. Southern More ton is the 
property of the Duke of Newcastle, and of the Won* 
and Rev. John Lumley Savile. 



ORDSALL, 



CHAP. XIII. 

(femtval jB**rrqrfum t &t.— £Se parted €buvt% 
&r 4 — Catalogue of 3&*rton>— €S* Camlet x>£ 
C^rumytun— ®H5tte5ou^^ 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION, ETC. 

The first mention which I have found of this place, 
is in the reign of Edward the Confessor, ahout the year 
1037. when it contained four manors, held by Osward, 
Turstaun, Oderic, and Thurstan, and they paid to the 
geld or public tax for four bo vats (60 acres) of land, 

The following is the entry in Doomsday book res- 
pecting Ordsall. 

In Ordeshale . I. bou. ad gld. Tra. IIII. bob. Ernui ten. 

K Vasta. e. 
7 
S In Ordeshale . L bou tre a gld. Tra. I. car. Ibi. II 

— - u u u 

soch hnt. I. car. & III. acs pti. & III. acs siluae. 



(SeneraX j3e*mpttmt, &t. 209 

- - 9 9 

;$fl la Okdeshale hbr Osuuard Turstin Ordric & 

9 7—7 

Turstin. HIT. Lou tie ad gld. Tra IIII. car. Ibi II 
hoes Rogerii hnt. III. car. & v. uill & II. bord 

„ u u 7 u • — 

bates. II. car. Ibi XVI. ac pti. Silua past. I. qz Ig. 

& dim lat T. R E. ual. XXVIII. sol. m. XXIIII. 
sol. 

After the conquest, it became the property of Roger 
de Busli, and was acknowledged to have soke to the 
king's manor of Dunham, of one bovat to be taxed. 
The land one caracute. There was also soke to Grove, 
of one bovat and a half to be taxed. The land one 
caracute. Of the Tayn land, held by Erwin, there was 
one bovat to be taxed, which was for four oxen. Accord- 
ing to the above survey, the land here was chiefly waste, 
but afterwards, the tenants of Roger, had three cara- 
cutes (360 acres) of land, and five villains; — and two 
borders having two caracutes. There was also sixteen 
acres of meadow land ; and pasture and wood land one 
mile long, and half a mile broad, which, in Edward the 
Confessor's time, was valued at 28s. but in the Con- 
queror's time, only at 24s. 

Early in the thirteenth century, the greatest portion 
of Ordsall became the property of the Hercys of Grove, 
part of which had previously been held by Mauvesinus 
de Hercy, of Robert de St. George, of Bodmeschell 
(Bothamsal!,) to the amount of 30 acres, for which he 

2 E 



210 ©rWalt 



paid the sum of 5s. 4d. annually. After the disposi- 
tion of Sir John Henry's property, this part of tire 
estate came to Francis Mackworth, Esq. who had mar- 
ried Ellen, his seventh sister, whose son on coming to 
the property, disposed of it; to — — Bevercotes, Esq. 
a barrister at law, in York, at whose decease it des- 
cended to Thomas Cornwallis, Esq. who had married 
his daughter; Mr. Cornwallis shortly after sold it to 
the Countess of Devonshire, who settled it upon Sir 
Edward Wortlcy, her eldest son; it is now, for the 
most part, the property of the Hon, J. B. Simpson, and 
of the Messrs. Kippax'. 

In the year 1290, Robert dc Bakere, of Retford, 
brought an action against Hugh de Hercy, Esq. of 
Grove, because he had prevented him from fishing in 
the Iddell of Orcisall; when the jury found that "all 
who hold lands abutting on that water, have a right to 
fish in it at their pleasure unto the threed of the water." 
Verdict for the plaintiff. 

The village of Ordsall is situate in the Hat field 
division, of the hundred of Bassetlaw, about a mile 
to the south-west of Retford, and half a mile from 
the line of the North Road. The north-west approach 
to it may boast a considerable share of rural beauty ; 
on this side, the church may be seen, slightly shaded 
by the trees and shrubs, from which, at a distance, 
it appears to rise. The village itself, however, can- 
not be called pleasant, the houses being generally old 



(ffieturaX ©t^mptton, fcr* 211 

and extremely irregular, and the road through it hollow, 
and in some places dangerous ; but the parish, which 
comprehends the hamlets of Thrumpton and White- 
houses, has been very considerably improved by the 
erection of several respectable houses, — the gardens 
too, being pleasantly situated and tastefully laid out, 
give a very pleasing appearance to the neighbourhood. 
The rectory house is very spacious, and from its 
choice situation, is calculated to afford a comfortable 
residence for those appointed to minister to the spiritual 
wants of the parishioners. Amongst others, may be 
mentioned the mansion of John Kippax, Esq. at the 
Elms, to the west of the North Road ; this is pleasant 
3y situated, and although the views cannot boast of 
being extensive, yet they are far from being devoid of 
interest. Nearer the precincts of the town of Retford, 
on a slight declivity, stands a neat house, built by the 
late Mr. Alderman Ginnever ; the ground in front is 
tastefully decorated with shrubs and evergreens. The 
next deserving of notice, is the house recently erected 
by George Kippax, Esq. its bold and commanding situ- 
ation renders it a very prominent object, and the pic- 
turesque scenery which displays itself in every direc- 
tion, may be said to make it a very desirable residence. 
The hamlet of Thrumpton has uudergone several 
improvements within the last few years, and to a person 
unacquainted with its limits, it would be supposed to 
form part of East Retford. Mr. Roberts possesses 
2 e 2 



212 ©rttealL 



a snug and comfortable cottage here, which has a cheer- 
ful, light, and airy appearance, but the lowness of the 
site on which it is erected, prevents its appearing to 
advantage. Whitehouses, which takes its name from 
two very ancient white cottages which time is rapidly 
devouring, is situate on the North Road, one mile 
south of Retford, and contains besides an inn, two or 
three tolerably good houses. 

THE PARISH CHURCH. 

This edifice, in its exterior appearance, is neat and 
somewhat antiquated ; the tower is considerably more 
modern than the body, but there are no records to my 
knowledge, at present in existence, to show the positive 
date of either. It is quite certain, however, that it 
was founded about the middle of the thirteenth cen- 
tury. At that period, the principal part of Ordsall was 
the property of the Hercys, of Grove, to whom the ad- 
vowson of this church belonged ; in this family the 
patronage continued until the death of Sir John Hercy 
in 1570, when his immense property was divided 
amongst his eight surviving sisters, the Ordsall estate 
was given to Francis Mackworth, Esq. of Empingham, 
in Rutlandshire, who had married Ellen, the seventh 
sister, but the advowson became the property of George 
Neville, Esq., who, at the same time came to the estate 
at Grove, by marrying Barbara, the fifth sister ; after- 
wards the Jiving came to Thomas Cornwallis, Esq., 



€t)t Parteg £])uvth 213 

who sold it to Lady Wortley, who finally settled it 
along with the ancient estate, on her eldest son ; it was 
disposed of some years afterwards, but the patronage 
of the living is still vested in the descendants of that 
family. 

The interior of the church is in a very poor state of 
repair, more especially the pewing. It is greatly to be 
regretted that this should be the case, as the village is 
improving, and the living of a superior kind. 

Tne tower, which is lofty and pinnacled, contains 
three bells, and previous to the year 1823, was in an 
excellent state of repair, at that time, however, it was 
struck by lightning, and towards the top sustained 
considerable damage ; the south-east pinnacle was com- 
pletely shattered to pieces ; since then the damage has 
been repaired. 

In the ecclesiastical history of this place, two very 
remarkable instances of persecution occur, which are 
particularly deserving of notice ; — the first is the case 
of the Rev. William Denman, who, in the popish times 
of Queen Mary, appears to have sacrificed this living 
to his strong attachment to the protestant cause; after- 
wards, in the more tolerant reign of her successor, 
Queen Elizabeth, he was fully restored to his benefice, 
and died at a good old age, bequeathing to posterity an 
example of firmness and perseverance in the religion 
which he had embraced, well worthy of imitation. The 
other is the case of the Rev. Marmadukc Moore, also 



214 ©rtoaXl. 



rector of this parish, whose paternal estate, on the 18th 
of November, 1652, was forfeited " for treason/' and 
himself sequestrated from his living, "for the heinous 
and damnable offence of playing at cards, three several 
times, with his own wife! If" a genuine specimen this 
of the principles (?) which actuated the Rump Par- 
liament, during the fanatical and puritanical times of 
the commonwealth ! 

The monuments and monumental inscriptions are not 
numerous, nor, with one or two exceptions, are they 
particularly interesting. In the north aisle is an an- 
cient mural monument, uncommonly beautified with 
whitewash; the upper part, which projects, is supported 
by pillars ; in the centre of the tablet is the figure of 
a man kneeling, having a desk and book open before 
him ; round his neck the broad ruff, much worn in the 
time of Queen Elizabeth ; there is no inscription what- 
ever to show for whom it was erected. Within the altar 
rails, on a brass plate, is the following. 

Hie jacet Dms Stephanus Coe in Artibus Magister qvondara Rector Istivus 
Ecclesiae qvi amraam deo reddidit sexto Aprilis anno dm. 1614. 

On the same floor stone, and nearly in the centre, 

Here lyeth inter' d the body of the truly just and vertuous Robert Coe, of 
Ordsall, gent, who departed this life for a better, March the 23rd, in the year 
of our blessed Lord 1718, and in the 74th year of his age. 

On another to the north is as follows, 

*' Q-uatis vitae fuus Ita, 1 ' this is to the memory of the wife of the above. 

Another on the north side of the chancel. 

Johannnes Pig'ot, A. M. Ecclesiae Cathedralis et Metropolitaniae Cantariae 
a sex Concionatoribus Ecclesiae Southwell Canonicus et hujus Ecclesiae Rector 
obijt Aug-. 21, A. D. 1727, annus natus. Elizabethae uxoris ejus cineres juxta 
sunt deposite obijt Jan. 4th, A. D. 17 8, 60 annus natas. 



On a plate in the south aisle, 

Here lyetli the body of John JOHNSON, who died October 10th, 1680, 
and was buried November 1st, in the 43rd* year of his age; he was the son of 
Stephen Johnson, of Ordsall, and Anne his wife, and married Catharine, the 
daughter of Wm. Brownlow, of Ossington, by whom he had issue one son, 
Stephen, deceased, and one daughter Elizabeth surviving, aged It years. 
The memory of the j ust is blessed. 

The following inscription to the memory of the Rev. 
William Den man, before mentioned, was formerly in 
the church, but I do not find it there at present. 

Filius Armigeri mihi mater militis hares, 

Nomine sum Denman, arte magister eram. 
Pastorem Ordsalie Maria regnantc remotum 

Restituit princeps Llizabetha gregi. 
Continuo ft feci caperet Retfordia fructus 

Progredier si qui Religione student 
Pau peril us struxisse domos Ordsalia novit> 

Mole sub hac tandem mortuus ecce cubo. 
Mortuus ! ah fattor, vitam traduco beatus, 

Terra cadaver habet, spiritus astra colit. 

The most recent monuments are belonging to the 
family of the Masons, on one of which, is as follows. 

Sacred to the memory of ANNE MASON,* of Eaton, in this county, 
who was born the 10th March, J 743, and died the 8th, January, J 795; and 
Catharine Mason, of Eaton, in this county, who was born the 6th,. October, 
1745, and died the I5th May, 1807; and George Mason, Esq. of Eaton, in 
this county, who was born the I8th, Julv, 1741, and died the 29th, June, 
1809. 

On another opposite to the above, 

Sacred to the memory of WM. MASON, Esq. of Welham,. who was>born 
the 29th, January, 1747, and died 21st, September. 1803. JANE, relict of 
William Mason, Esq. of AVelham, born 28th, March, 175], and died I2th, 
February, 1823. 

In the south aisle is a table of benefactions, and 
a monument to the memory of Richard Brownlow, of 
Thrumpton; also of Mrs. Anne Turnell, his daughter. 

The font is plain, and cannot boast of much antiquity. 

The living is a rectory, in the gift of the Right Hon. 
Lord YVharncliffe ; it was valued at £24 when Mr. 
Hcrcy was patron, 'tis now valued in the king's books 



216 



(©rtf&rtX, 



£19. 10s. 7±d. and pays for tenths, £1. 19s. Oftf.; for 
synodals, 4s.; for first fruits, 7s. 6d.\ and for procura- 
tions, 6s. 8c?. Rector, — the Rev. F. Foxlowe. 

A Catalogue of the Rectors of Ordsall. 



TEMP. INST. 



6th Ides Feb. 

11 Kal. Mar. 1313 

4th IdesNov. 1322 
10th May, 1364 

23rd Decern. 1379 
20th June, 1410 
4th June, 1415 
20th June, 1416 
22nd June, 1 417 
25th Nov. 1418 
26th July, 1484 



5th Dec. 1441 

29th Sep. 1483 
12th April, 1486 
9th July, 1487 

20th Aug-. 1506 
31st Jan. 1512 
2nd June, 1550 
16th Jan. 1556 



RECTORES ECCLE. 



Dms Thos. de Burton, Sub 

! Dms Aiardus de Longo Prato, 
Pbr 

Dms Laurence de Hercy, CI... 

Dms Thos. de Ordsall, Pbr 

Dms John de Sandalle 

Dms John de Burton, Pbr. . . . 

Dms Will. Burgh 

DmsRobt. Cave, Pbr 

Dms Reginaldus de Tylne, Pbr. 

Dms John Marton, Pbr 

Dms Robt. Conynye, Pbr 

Dms Adam Southe, Pbr 

Dms Robt. Smith, Pbr 

Dms John Hardfish, Cap 

Dms Robt. Baynbug Donning- 
ton 

Dms Rad. Stanhope 

Dms Will. Rose, Pbr 

Dms Greg. Warych, Cap 

Dms John Helvvys, Pbr 

Dms Robt. Neville, M.A 

Dms Will. Denman, CI 



4th April, 1568 
29th Sep. i6i4 
3rd March, 1631 

22hdOct. 1673 

- 1695 



-1727 

-1743 
-1774 



Dms Robt. Blundesby 

Dms Wm. Denman, CI 

Dms Francis Nevyle, CI 

Rev. Ed. Mason, CI. M. A 

Rev. Marm. Moore, CI 

Rev. Will. Haughton, CI 

Rev. Ed. Raynes, CI. M. A. . . . 

Rev. John Pigott, CI. M. A 

Rev. Mason 

Rev. Thomas Cockshutt, M. A- 
Rev. Joseph Scott .V. 

Rev. F. Foxlowe, M. A 



Dms Hugo de 
Hercy 

ijdem 

ijdem 



SirT.Hercy, kt: 

ijdem 
ijdem 
ijdem 
ijdem 

Hugo Hercy 

ijdem 

Humph. Her- 
cy, Esq. 
ijdem 
Feeof. Hugo 
Hercy, Esq. 
Humph. Her- 
cy, Esq. 
ijdem 

Dms Jn. Hercy 

ijdem 

King James, by 

lapse 
Ditto 
Lyon Falconer 

Anna Worsley 
Sidney Wort- 
ley, Esq. 
John Baker, 

Esq. 
Edw. Wortley 
Earl of Bute 
Lord AVharn- 
cliffe 



Resig 
Resig 
Resig 

Mort 
Mort 
Mort 
Resig 1 
Resig; 

Resig 
Resig 

Mort 

Resig 
Mort 
Mort 

Mort 

Mort 

Depro 

Vacat. 

Mort 
Resig 
Resig 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 
Mort 



GROVE. 



CHAP. XIV. 

©tueral JBe^m'jttmt, &c— Castle Wll SMoxrtr— 
C6e Part# Cfmr* S, &*♦ — Catalogue tf-XUciiir* 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION, ETC. 

The barony of Grove, with the manor of West Ret- 
ford, was part of the large property granted by William 
the Conqueror, to Roger de Busli, and is thus noted in 
Doomsday survey: — 

~ 7 7 

JH In Grave . hbr Aluui & Osmund . IIII. bou trae 

- 7 ... 7 

& dim ad gld. Tra . Ill . car. Ibi Robt. ho Rog 

7 7 - 

inOrdeshaie ht. I. car & dim. & VI uill & III bord. & I. 

- - 7 7 ~ 

I.bofc dim soch hntes ji car & A{m j bi pbr & ^ ccla & 

Tra. I. car. u * 7 7 - 7 - 

VIII. ac pti. Silua past. I. lev lg. & dim lat. 

- o 7 

T. R. E. ual. XI. sol. m. similit. 
From Roger de Busli it came to Gerbert (or Gilbert) 
de Arches, Baro de Grove, (in the early part of the reign 
2 p 



fl.8 <&vobt. 

of Henry the second.) whose great granddaughter, 
Theophania, being a co~heiress y carried it to Malvesinus 
de Hercy, in the reign of Henry the third. It continued 
in the Herey family till Sir John de Hercy bequeathed 
it to Barbai'a, one of his sisters, and co-heiress, who 
had married George Nevile, Esq. of Ragnall, in whose 
family it continued till the latter end of the seventeenth 
century, when Sir Edward Nevile sold it to Sir Cres- 
well Levinz, one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. 
Sir Creswell Levinz was succeeded by his sou, William 
Levinz. who resided at Grove, and was sometime one of 
the members for East Retford, and afterwards for the 
county. This William Levinz left a son, William, who 
alienated the greatest part of his inheritance, and sold 
the manor and estate of Grove, with its appurtenances, 
in the year 1762, to Anthony Eyre, Esq. of Rampton, 
and of Adwiek, the father of Anthony Hardolph Eyre, 
Esq. the present possessor. A large brick house, in 
the old English style, with gable ends, and mullion win- 
dows, had been erected at Grovey at a period which is 
not known, and had undergone considerable alterations. 
During the wars between the Houses of York and Lan- 
caster, the Hercy family, with their neighbours the 
Stanhopes, of Rampton, were active supporters of the 
House of Lancaster, and during the arduous struggle 
for superiority, were frequently surrounded by dangers 
&f no common kind ; till at length victory 

" To Tudor's brow transfer' d the gcoa. 
The long disputed diadem." 



(BmteraX *Bt*txi$tion f &r* 219 

Afterwards, as a mark of their zeal, and as a remem- 
brance of their past services, they each of them inserted 
in the walls of their respective mansions, a sculptured 
rose and crown, the device assumed by Henry the 
seventh, and by many of his adherents. This device 
was placed in the house at Grove, over a large Gothic 
window, which lighted the principal staircase. Sir 
Creswell Levinz and his son, made some alterations in 
the house, and Mr. Eyre after he purchased it, entirely 
altered the character of it, removing the whole of the 
ancient roof, and pulling down a considerable part of 
the south-west front, in the place of which, under the 
direction of Mr. Carr, the architect, he built a suite of 
rooms of handsome and more convenient dimensions. 
In making this alteration, he took down a stone tower, 
which must have been built m the time of Queen Eliza- 
beth, and under it were found sl considerable number 
of the coins of that Queen's reign. 

The lordship of Grove is extensive, containing about 
1500 acres, part of which is covered with wood, and 
the rest is occupied, either in grazing, or to agricultu- 
ral purposes. 

The situation of Grove Hall, is said to be the most 
elevated and picturesque in the county ; on all sides, 
the views are pleasing and extensive : to the east the 
levels of Lincolnshire appear beautifully tinted with 
variety, the view of which, is backed with the noble 
promontory on which part of the city of Lincoln stands, 
2 f 2 



220 (fixrebe* 

whilst the minster rears its venerable head, and over- 
looks the vast plains which extend themselves until the 
ocean terminates their hounds. To the west the view 
is equally extensive, the ancient forest of Sherwood, 
from the numerous woods and plantations which rear 
their heads in every direction, reminds the beholder of 
ancient days, when the famous oaks displayed their 
towering houghs ; this very interesting view is only 
terminated by the hills of Kinderskout in Derbyshire. 
To the north and south, numerous objects are distin- 
guishable, to enumerate which, would exceed my limits, 
and the place must be visited ere the beautiful scenery 
can be properly appreciated. 

CASTLE HILL WOOD. 

" All hail ! ye mighty, venerable works 
Of our forefathers, great in deeds of arms ! 
To late posterity memorial stand 
Of their immortal fame." 

The situation of Grove, being bold and commanding, 
and strongly fortified by nature, we can hardly suppose 
that it would escape the attention of those warriors, 
who, in ancient days led on their respective armies to 
the combat, as being a place admirably suited for mili- 
tary purposes, and capable of being used as an explo- 
ratory situation to the greatest possible advantage. 
Accordingly I find such traces as strikingly corroborates 
the above supposition. 
, .Within the precincts of the parish, is a wood, gene- 



Castle ^til SMootr. 221 

rally designated " Castle Hill Wood]' where, as its 
name imports, has formerly stood a castle on a mount, 
which appears to have heen surrounded by a double 
trench of considerable magnitude, having the entrance 
to the south-east.* To the south-east of this mount is 
a piece of ground, now almost level, where the traces of 
foundations are discernible ; this is surrounded by 
a moat, both wide and deep, having formerly circum- 
scribed a mansion or castle, but of which no memorials 
are now in existence. Tbis place, as well as the one 
just alluded to, together with the greatest part of an 
extensive wood, are still circumvallated, and a trench or 
foss, in some instances double, may be distinctly traced 
for upwards of a mile. 

It is generally acknowledged that this part of the 
country formed a portion of the settlements of the 
Coritani,but that in common with the rest of the island, 
it became a prey to the Roman armies, who, in making 
the conquest, were necessitated to undergo considerable 
hardships and privations, and on obtaining possession, , 
to cast up those fortresses and bulwarks, which, in 
almost every part of the kingdom, remain to the pre- 
sent time, as mementos of their bravery and determined 
perseverance. 

To this period therefore, it appears to me, may be 

* The situation is particularly noted in some of the oldest maps 
of this county, under the appellation ol "Little Gringley 
Castle : y 



222 <&V0bt. 

properly attributed the formation of these extensive 
works, although others have supposed them to have been 
originally British. With this opinion lam not inclined 
to coincide, because there are other circumstances con- 
curring with the above, tending to confirm the suppo- 
sition of their being of Roman origin. About a mile 
beyond Gringley are the traces of an encampment to 
the ri^ht of the road leading to Leverton ; which road 
has every appearance of having been Roman, and was 
continued to North Leverton onward to the Roman 
station at Littleborough,* without fetching the compass 

* This place has occupied the attention of antiquarians for 
a long period, in attempting to fix upon it as the Segelocum, 
mentioned in the Itenerary of Antoninus. Camden, in his first 
edition of the Brittanica in 1£94, had fixed this station at Eaton, 
but afterwards, it is said, he changed his opinion in favour of 
Littleborough. Mr. Horsley, also decidediy says " Segelocum 
or Agelocum, as called in two iters, is certainly Littleborough. " 
Dr. Gale was of the same opinion ; and Pegge, in his British 
Topography, seems to coincide therewith. To such an host of 
observations and conjectures, I cannot presume to add any thing, 
save that of recording an humble opinion in favour of that given. 
by Mr. Horsley. 

In 1684, when the inclosures between the bridge and town 
were first ploughed up, many coins of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, 
Constantine, &c. were found, together with Intaglios of Agate, 
and Cornelian, the finest coloured urns, and pater<e> some 
wrought in basso relievo, with the workman's name generally 
impressed on the inside of the bottom j also a discus, or quoit, 
with an emperor's head embossed upon it. Again, in 1718, two 



towards South Leverton, which it now does ; and the 
old road may still he traced, being, with the interven- 
tion of a wood, nearly entire.* 

THE PARISH CHURCH, ETC. 

The period when this church was founded is not 
exactly known, hut in all probability it was anterior 
to the conquest, as in Doomsday-hook is observed, that 
here was a priest and a church, and eight acres of 
meadow ; pasture wood one league long and half-a-one 
broad, of the yearly value of 40$. Anciently it was 
a double rectory, and also a vicarage of medieties, but 
on the 3rd of the nones of May, 1227, Walter de 
Grey, Archbishop of York, consolidated them, when. 
George de Ordsall, who was vicar of one mediety, was 
presented to the whole by Malvesinus de Hercy, (the 

very handsomely moulded altars were dug up, and in 1759, the 
drawing of another was communicated to the society of antiqua- 
ries. A curious tassera, or tally, was also found near this 
place j these tallies were supposed to have been used in the Ro- 
man armies, to distinguish each other from the enemy, and for 
setting the nightly watch. 

• On this road, between Leverton and Littleborough, formerly 
existed a stone bridge, about the repairs of which, several dis- 
putes arose. In 1253, the court of Oswardbeck was held 
at Sturton, when an inquisition was taken, as to whether the 
inhabitants of Sturton and Fenton, or the abbot of Welbeck, 
should repair it 5 the jurors gave it in favour of the abbot. Ano- 
ther inquisition was likewise held at Retford, in 1290, when the 
jury found as before , 



224 ^0vShii 

first of that ancient family,) on condition that ho 
should allow the rector 28s. per annum, for ever. 

In 1425, Sir Thomas Hercy, Knight, bequeathed to 
the rector of this church, *" in name of his principal," 
his best horse with his array, according to his estate. 
Humphrey Hercy, Esq. at his death, bequeathed " his 
soul to God, and his body to be buried in the Queare 
or Chancel of the Invention of the Crosse of Grove." 

The situation of this church is peculiarly pleasing 
and interesting; seated on an eminence, and surrounded 
by trees rendered venerable from their great age, it 
may with propriety be s tiled a place where 

" The traveller outworn with life's pilgrimage dreary, 
Lays down his rude staff, like one that is weary, 
And sweetly reposes for ever." 

Indeed, the whole scene is calculated to excite those 
finer feelings of the mind whilst ruminating over the 
scattered fragments of mortality ; whilst they, uncon- 
scious of the visitors tread, sleep on in silence and 
obscurity. Here the ashes of some of the bravest 
and best of human kind commingle together, and al- 
though the destroyer — Time, has obliterated nearly 
all the visible signs which once mark'd the hallowed 
spot, he has not yet been enabled altogether to blast 
with his oblivious breath those records which bear tes- 
timony that they have oh'ce existed. 

The church is small and ancient ; it is dedicated to 
St. Helen, and consists of a nave and chancel; in its 



CJie parfeS tftmrrjk 225 

exterior it has nothing whereof to boast, its interior 
is simple, clean, and in good repair. The tower is 
squat and contains two bells. 

Within the chancel are two or three curious antique 
monumental floor stones, on one of which is inscribed, 
an ornamental cross, but the rest is illegible. By the 
side of this is another to the memory of Hugo de 
Hercy, on which 

" Outstretch' d together are exprest, 

He and my Lady fair ; 
With hands uplifted on the breast, 

In attitude of prayer. 

This is an alabaster slab, six feet six inches long, and 
three feet three inches broad; one of the figures re- 
presents a man in armour, on his head a hat and feather, 
a greyhound at his feet looking up, — the face worn out: 
at his side a woman, — her face and head-dress very 
indistinct, on the left side of her head some appearance 
of a reticulated dress. The crack across the stone is 
so splintered that whatsoever has been at her feet is 
not now to be known. Above the man's head is a 
shield, but the colours are quite indistinct; above the 
woman's, the saltiere is engraved, with a round pell, — 
it appears black, being inlaid with pitch. Near the 
edge of the stone — 

"$}tr jacet ^ugo ffitvt$ qui oUit ©$ tfu Btttm* 
fcrfe anno trm m. tttt* t b. tt GEXtja&etj) ujtov tjxt* 
quae obiit anno trm m. tttc. I. antmae grnjmetur 
23eu&" 

In the aisle is another, having the following,' — 

Resvrgam Katharine Neville obiit l7mo. die Maii 1683. 
2 G 



226 



iffirobe* 



In the chancel is a neat mural monument as under,— 

To the memory of WILLI AM LEV I NZ, Esq- only son of Sit Creswell Levinz, 
Kt. Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, whose many virtues he inherited, 
having' represented in Parliament for many years the Borough of East Retford, 
and then this county, with uncommon abilities, diligence, and integrity : he 
died May 7th, 1747, aged 76 years. He married Anne, daughter of Samuel 
Buck, Esq. barrister at law, a partner worthy of so much merit, who died June 
15th 1726, in the 51st year of her age, and lieth here interred. 



A Catalogue of the Rectors of Grove* 



TEMP. INST. 



8th Ides Mar.1237 

5 Kal. July 1302 

Ides March, 1 307 

14 Kal. Oct. 1308 
Ides Oct. 1309 

6 Ides April, 131 5 

7 Kal. Mali, 1341 



_1398 



18th March, 1428 
9th Junii, 1431 
1st April, 1434 

24th Maii, 1464 

13th Aug. 1467 
4th April, 1472 
9th Sep. 1472 
23rd Sep. 1487 
7th Sep. 1502 
2nd Oct. 1506 
18th Feb. 1512 
I4th Sep. 1521 

1st Sep. 1554 
6th May, 1579 

21st Sep. 1611 
15th Sep. 1662 



_T726 
_1737 
-1749 



_1799 



RECTORES ECCLE. 



Dms Ru de la Mon, CI 

Dms Step. deWobringtofi, Sub. 

Dms Root. Brennand de Lever- 
ton, CI 

Dms John de Hercy, CI 

Dms John de Corbridge, Pbr. 

Dms John de Scardeburgh, 
Acolites 

Dms Thos. de Amcotes, Acoli- 

Dms TliosV hi! Root.' de" Askl 

ham, Pbr 

Dms Will. Rong, Pbr 

Dms Will. Stayne, Pbr 

Dms John Brantyngham y Pbr. 
Dms John Stephenson, Pbr. . . 

Dms Thomas Walmesley, Pbr 

Dms Thos. Suth worth 

Dms Thos. Bib, Cap 

Dms Rich. Levessay, Cap 

Dms Will. Mauleverer, Cap. . . 
Dms Cuthbert Darwin, Pbr. . . 

Dms Robt. Nevill, Cl 

Dms Thos. Elton, Pbr 

Dms Matthias Witton, A. M. . 

Dms John Robynson, Cl 

Dms Will. Perpoynt 

Rev. Francis Nevill, Cl 

Rev. Gervas Nevill, Cl. M. A. . 

Rev. Walter Bridges, Cl 

Rev. Nathan Townell. ........ 

Rev. 

Rev. Stephen Cooper 

Rev. Robt. Wright 

Rev. Wm. Pashley 

Rev. Charles Eyre 

Rev. A. Youle, M. A 



Will. Rufus 
Hugo de Hercy 

ij dem 

ij dem 
ijdem 

ijdem 

Hugo de 
Hercy 



Sir 



Kath. Hercy 

eadem 

eadem 

Feoffators. Hu- 

gonis Hercy 

ijdem 

if dem 

ij dem 
- — Hercy, Esq, 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ijdem 
Jn. Hercy, Esq. 

ijdem 
Sir John Hercy 
Geo. Nevill,Esq 
Will. Nevill, 

Esq. 
Ed. Nevill,Esq. 
Extores Ed. 

Nevill, Esq. 
Wm.Wogan, & 
Sam,Buck,Esq. 



p Mort 



p Mort 

pMort 
p Resig 

p Resig 

p Resig 

p Resig 
p Mort 
p Resig 
p Mort 
p Mort 
p Resig 
p Resig 
p Priv 



pMort 

p Mort 
p Mort 



pMort 



Will. Levinz, 

Esq. 

— Levinz, Esq. p Mort 
A.H. Eyre, Esq. p Mort 

Ditto. i 



The living of Grove is a rectory, and when Mr. 
Hercy was paton, it was valued at £10; it is now 
£11. 14*. 2d. in the king's books, and pays for tenths, 
£1.3*. 5d.; for first fruits, 6*. 8d.; and for synodals, 
3*. Patron, Anthony Hardolph Eyre, Esq. Incum- 
bent, Rev. Abraham Youle, M. A. 

FAMILY OF THE EYRES. 

The Eyre family came over from Normandy, with 
William the Conqueror ; and we find it early settled in 
the county of Derby. By an Inquisitio post mortem 
taken in the reign of Edward the first, it appears that 
Robert le Eyre was settled at Hope, in Derbyshire, 
which he held for being hereditary warden of the Peak 
Forest ; we find also by an Inquisitio post mortem in 
the reign of Edward the third, that William le Eyre de 
Hope, was also warden of the forests of Edale, Hassop, 
and Derwent. One of this family married Joan of 
Padley, who being an heiress, brought to her husband 
the manor and estate of Padley, and other considerable 
estates in the county of Derby. From the Eyres of 
Hope, many scions branched off, settled in different 
places, and became heads of families.* One branch 

* One branch of this family settled at Hassop, in the county 
of Derby, and still resides there; and having married the heiress 
of the Ratcliffe family, obtained the earldom of Newburgh, 
which title, the present possessor of Hassop, now enjoys. Ano- 
ther branch settled at Rowter, in Derbyshire, and the last of this 
2 g 2 



228 ®vobt. 

settled at Kiveton, on the borders of Yorkshire ; and 
besides Kiveton, possessed the large manor of Newbolt, 
in the county of Derby. A descendant of this family, 
Anthony Eyre, of Kiveton, married Barbara, relict of 
John Babington, Esq. of Hampton, Nottinghamshire, 
(a younger branch* of the Babingtons, of Dethick,) 
daughter of Sir Henry Nevile, of Grove ; and his son, 
Sir Gervas Eyre, married the daughter and co-heiress 
of the above John and Barbara Babington. This Sir 
Gervas Eyre, took an active part in favour of Charles 
the first, during the troubles in that reign. He raised 
and commanded several troops of horse for the king, 
and was esteemed one of the best horsemen in the king's 
army, He died at the siege of Newark ; where also 
his father, General Eyre, lost his life. Sir Gervas and 
his father, sold the property at Kiveton and Newbolt, 
to Sir Edward Osbourn, ancestor of the Duke of Leeds, 
and came to reside at Rampton. The son of Sir Ger^ 
vas Eyre,- — Anthony Eyre, was chosen knight of the 
shire for the county of Nottingham, at the first new 
Parliament, which was summoned by Charles the se* 

branch left a daughter and heiress, who married the late Visr 
count Massarene, and the whole has since been sold. Another 
branch having married an heiress of Gell, of Hopton, assumed 
the name and arms of Gell, and his descendants continue to re- 
side at Hopton. Other branches also settled in the neighbour 
hood of Sheffield and Chesterfield, and the Eyres of Wiltshire, 
and of Ireland^ can trace their pedigree to the Eyres of Hope, 



dfamtlp of tit <£$xt&. 229 

cond, and lie served in that Parliament till his death. 
Gervas Eyre, the son of the ahove Anthony, was re- 
turned to Parliament at different times, as knight of 
the shire, and died of the small-pox in London, in 1702, 
when attending his duty in Parliament. He left a son, 
Anthony, (with other children,) a minor, who pulled 
down the old family house at Rampton, and removed 
to an estate which he had at Laughton-en-le-Morthen, 
until he purchased the estate of Adwicke, near Doncas- 
ter, of his uncle, Sir George Cooke. He then removed 
to Adwicke, and continued to reside there till his death ; 
he was buried at Laughton. He left one son, Anthony, 
and four daughters. Anthony married Judith Letitia 
Bury, daughter of John Bury, Esq. and great niece of 
Sir Hardolph Wastneys, Bart, of Headon Park, in the 
county of Nottingham. He purchased of Mr. Levinz, 
in 1762, the estate and appurtenances of Grove, which 
joined to the old family estates of Hampton and Tres- 
well; and to Headon, which came to him by his wife. 
He then removed to Grove, where* he made great alter- 
ations in the house and place, and made it his principal 
residence till his death in 1788. He served in several 
Parliaments for the borough of Boroughbridge. He 
had four sons and two daughters. The eldest son, 
Anthony Hardolph, was brought up in the army, and 
obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the 1st 
Regiment of Foot Guards, and was for some time mem- 
ber of Parliament for the county of Nottingham. He 



230 <&voht. 

married in 1783, Francisca Alicia, third daughter of 
Richard Wilhraham Bootle, Esq. of Lathom House, 
Lancashire, and sister to the present Lord Skelmersdale, 
and had by her one son, Gervase Anthony, horn October 
29th, 1791, who was also in the 1st Regiment of Foot 
Guards, and was unfortunately killed at the victory 
gained at Barrosa, in Spain, March 7th, 1811, in his 
20th year. He has also three daughters, the eldest of 
w T hom, Mary Letitia, married the present Earl Manvers, 
and has by him Charles Evelyn, Viscount Newark, and 
other children. Frances Julia, his second daughter, 
married Granville Venables Vernon, Esq. son of the 
Right Hon. Edward Vernon, brother of Lord Vernon, 
and Archbishop of York, and by him has several child- 
ren. Henrietta, his third daughter, married first, in 
1816, her c6usin, John Hardolph, eldest son of Arch- 
deacon Eyre, who died S. P. 1818. Secondly, in 1825, 
Henry Gaily Knight, Esq. of Firbeck Hall, Yorkshire. 
John, the second son of the above Anthony Eyre, 
was brought up in the church, and became Rector of 
Babworth, Canon residentiary of York, Prebendary of 
Southwell, and Archdeacon of Nottingham. He mar- 
ried in 1790, Charlotte, daughter of Sir George Army- 
tage, of Kirklees, Bart, by whom he had several chil- 
dren, two of which only survive, Charles Wasteneys, 
in Holy Orders, Rector of Carlton in Lindric, Notts, 
and Charlotte, married to Henry Willoughby Esq. M. P. 
of Settrington, Yorkshire. 



^amtli) ot tit <&$vt*. 231 

Charles, the third son of the ahove Anthony Eyre, 
was brought up in the church, and became Rector of 
Headon cum Upton, and of Grove, and died unmarried. 

George, the fourth son of the above Anthony Eyre, 
was brought up in the navy. He obtained the honor 
of knighthood for his gallantry in taking the Island of 
Santa Maria, in the Mediterranean, and was afterwards 
made K. C. B. and became an Admiral. He married 
Georgiana, daughter of Sir George Cooke, of Wheatley, 
Bart, and has by her several children. The eldest of 
whom, George, is Rector of Molesworth, Huntingdon- 
shire ; and the second son is a Captain in the army, — 
he has also six daughters. 

The arms are 
Argent, on a chevroii, sable, three quarterfoils, or ; their crest, an armed leg. 



CLARBOROUGH, 



CHAP. XV, 

General JMrrtptum, &t.—€bt parted Clmrrj, 
&r.— Catalogue of mftar*— €%t Camlet ot 
Bal&am— Camlet xi£ TOrtJam— Camlet* nf 
ptoorgate antr ^jettaX^ill— gantlet oi %iti\t 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION, ETC. 

As usual I must again refer to that original record, 
Doomsday-book, for the oldest account we have of this 
place, that can be depended upon. The mention there 
made of Clarborough, is as follows : — 

i$l In Claverbvrg. hb Ragenald. II bov tre ad gld. 

Tra. II car. Ibi Fulco ho Rog. ht dim car. & VIII. 

uill. & I bord. cu. I. car & dim. & VII. acs pti. 

Silua past. IIII. q lg. & II. lat. T. R. E. ual. VI sol. 

K. nr? XX. sol. 

Ibide hb. Vlchil dim bou trse ad gld. cu saca & 
soca. Tra. II. bob. Idem ipse Vlchil tenet de Ro 
gero & ht ibi. II. bord. cu. II. bob. & I. acra pti 
Silua past. II. q. lg. & I. lat. T. R. E. & m ual. XVI. 



. 



(General JBeSmptton, fcr, 233 

From which we learn that part of Clarhorough helonged 
to the king's great soke of Mansfield, paying the tax 
for two and a quarter bovats of land. The land was 
one caracute. There was also at that time two soke- 
men, one villain, and one border having six oxen in 
plough, and two mills, the whole valued at 32s. Also six 
acres of meadow, valued at 40s. There was likewise 
land here of the fee of Sutton, belonging to the Arch- 
bishop of York, which paid for six bovats and a half 
of land, to the public tax. The meadow land was four 
quarents and a half square, which, at the general sur- 
vey, was estimated at forty-five acres. Roger de Busli 
also held certain lands here, which, previous to the 
conquest, was held by Reginald ; afterwards Fulco the 
tenant of Roger, had half a caracute, eight villains, one 
border, one caracute and a half of land, and seven acres 
of meadow, which in the Confessor's time, was valued 
at 6s., but in the Conqueror's at 20s. Ulchil also held 
of Roger two bovats of land, and had two borders, with 
two oxen, and one acre of meadow, which was also 
valued at 16s. The Taynes also had a manor here, 
held' by Ulmer, and paid the tax for one bovat and 
a half of land, having sac and soke without a hall. 
Afterwards the said Ulmer held it under the king, and 
had two villains, one border, and half a caracute, and 
three acres of meadow ; it in the Confessor's time 
was estimated at 3s., in the Conqueror's at 2s. In the 
time of the Confessor, Archil also held property here, 

2 H 



234 Clar&orauglj* 



valued at 4*. — in the Conqueror's time, Erwin held it, 
when it was valued at 2s. 

For some time subsequent to this, it does not dis- 
tinctly appear to whom the lands descended, at least 
so as to trace their course with certainty; we find 
however, in the fifteenth century, that Thomas Fitz- 
william held of Alice, Countess of Augi, the lady of 
Tickhill, three parts of a knight's fee in Clarhorough 
and West Drayton. John de Boughton also held here 
five acres of land, three roods of meadow, and two 
parts of a messuage with the appurtenances. Sir Ro- 
bert Waterton, Kt. also held lands here. In the year 
1537, Alexander Bannister and Marmaduke Faukys, 
claimed against William Bannister, twenty messuages, 
ten tofts, four hundred acres of land, forty of meadow, 
one hundred of pasture, and forty of furze and heath, 
with the appurtenances in Clarhorough and elsewhere. 
In 1574, Thomas Denman and Thomas Dawes, claimed 
against Francis Denman, clerk, two messuages, &c. in 
Clarhorough. In 1612, the freeholders in the village 
of Clarhorough were Thomas Fee, gent. Alexander 
Sherhrooke, sen. William Barker, John Otter, Dennis 
Huddlestone, and Richard Harpham. 

The village, which contains several tolerably well 
built houses, is long and straggling, yet of a cheerful 
and healthy appearance ; it stands at the foot of a hill, 
about two miles north-east of East Retford, on the 
Gainsbro' road. The land, generally speaking, is 



C5e f|arf*& tfj&urcj. 235 

strong and useful, being well adapted either for grazing, 
or for agricultural purposes ; a considerable portion of 
which, until recently, was the property of the Duke of 
Devonshire ; but it is now divided into a great number 
of small freeholds. 

THE PARISH CHURCH. 

This church was founded and endowed in 1258, and 
was, by Sewall, Archbishop of York, given to his newly 
founded chapel of St. Mary and All Angels, (sometimes 
called St. Sepulchres,) near the minster at York. On 
the 4th of the nones of May in that year, it was con- 
secrated by Sewall, who directed that the vicar should 
have the altarage, with a toft and croft lying next to 
the church yard, the tythes of the enclosed crofts of 
the town, and the tythes of the mills at Bolum, with 
which he should also find honest sustentation for the 
chaplain at Greenley, and to another chaplain, if he 
should serve at Clarborough, Wellum, and Bolum. 
Gilbert de Tyva, (who was made sacrist,) and his suc- 
cessors, was ordered to give therefrom, to the poor of 
the parish, five marks }'early. The patronage of this 
living came to the crown at the dissolution of the be- 
fore mentioned chapel, in which it continued until kino- 
James granted it to Lord Cavendish, afterwards Earl 
of Devonshire, in whose gift, and his heirs, it continued 
to be vested until recently, when it was purchased by 
Richard Woodhouse, Esq. of London. 
2 h2 



236 CUvhavouglj. 



In 1393, Clarborough formed one of the prebends of 
the cathedral at York, at which time Roger de Weston 
was prebendary ; by whom it was created, or when 
discontinued, I have not been able to learn. 

The church stands to the south-east of the village, 
on the side of a hill, and is surrounded by an extensive 
burial ground, where the silent ashes of the dead com- 
mingle with their parent earth. The building consists 
of a nave, a chancel, and two side aisles ; the tower is 
squat and embattled, and contains three bells. 

I remember visiting this church five years ago, when 
the outside was in a most dilapidated condition, and 
the interior far from prepossessing; on my late visit, 
however, I was gratified to find that a great change 
had been made for the better ; the whole of the inner 
walls having been drawn and squared in imitation of 
stonework ; a considerable portion of the body been 
repewed ; a gallery been erected at the west end, and 
a small organ, (for which the parishioners are indebted 
to the munificence of H. C. Hutchinson, Esq.) Several 
of the windows are entirely new, and the whole fabric 
is highly creditable to those under whose management 
the improvements have been effected. 

There are at present few monumental inscriptions 
remaining of antiquarian importance ; the following are 
the chief. 

Beneath the altar rails, — 

Here lyeth the body of Edmund BROWNE, who died the 4th of Feb. 1677. 



C1)t |£ffrt$$ £$x$vth 237 



On another adjoining, surmounted by a shield, — 

Here is interred the body of Mr. ROBERT MOWER, who departed this life 
the 7th July, 1748, aged 39 years. 

Within the altar rails, — 

Here lieth the body of Jane Smith, daughter of Mary Southworth, and 
daughter-in-law to Edward Southworth, of Wellam, who died the l?th of 
May, 1673. 

Adjoining the above,— 

Here lieth the body of ELIZABETH SOUTHWORTH, daughter of Edward 
Southworth, and Mary, his wife, of Wellom, who died the 7th of June, 1675. 

Inside the altar rails to the north, — 

Sacred to the memory of JOHN THOROLD, Esq. ob. June, 14, 1812, aged 29 
years: of Rev. CHARLES THOROLD, late of Peter House, Cambridge, ob. May 
9, 1820, aged 32 years: the third and fourth sons of Samuel Thorold, Esq. and 
of Susannah his wife. Also to the memory of Mrs ELIZABETH GOODACRE, 
ob. Sept. 13, 1 815, aged 95 years; the mother of the above Susannah Thorold, 

Without the altar rails, — 

Sacred to the memory of SAMUEL THOROLD.of Wefharri, Esq. son of the 
late Sir John Thorold, Bart, of Cranwell, in the county of Lincoln, died 18th 
January, 1825, in the 76th year of his age 

Under the gallery, at the west end, is a mural monu* 
ment, surmounted by a female figure weeping over an 
urn, with a long inscription as under, — 

Here lies interred the body of THOMAS Outy BRIDGE, late of Bollom 
House, who died the 27th August, 1772, aged 43 years. CATHARINE, the 
daughter of the said Thomas Outybridge, and Catharine his wife, died the 9th 
July, 1766, aged 5 months. THOMAS their son, died the I5th July, 1771, aged 
5 months. MILDRED their daughter, died the 26th Dec. 1772, aged 3 years 
and 10 months. Catharine their daughter, died the 1st January, 1773, aged 
7 months. Not lost, but gone before. In a dormitory beneath this place, are 
deposited the earthly remains of Mary Outybridge, the only surviving child 
of the said Thomas Outybridge, and Catharine his wife ; she departed this 
life the 21st of August, 1808, aged 41 years. 

" Thou fair example from thy early youth, 

Of modest wisdom, and pacific truth : 

Compos' d in sufferings, and in joy sedate, 

Thy faith and hope in God and Christ was great. 

Go that where only bliss sincere is known, 

Go where to love and to enjoy are one. 

Yet take these tears, mortality's relief, 

And till 1 share thy bliss, forgive my grief. 

This small remembrance on this stone receive, 

'Tis all a mother, all a friend can give.'* 

After a weary pilgrimage on earth, here rest the remains of Cath. Harrison, 
mother of the above named children, who she humbly hopes to meet in heaven 
died I8th Sept. 1825, aged 78. 



238 



Clar&orougJL 



A Catalogue of the Vicars of Clarborough. 



TEMP. INST. 



RECTORES ECCLE. 



3 Nones Oct. 1 286 Dras Aclam de Lund, Pbr . . 



5 Ides Nov. 1322 
2 Nones Jun. 1329 
2 Cal. July, 1341 
16th Nov. 1349 

18th April, 1392 

18th Dec. 1398 
SOth Nov. 1404 

14th Aug. 1405 

2nd March, 1410 
19th June, 1434 
18th Dec. 1437 

14th March, 1455 

24th June, 1485 I 

j 

10th Feb. 1488 
20th April, 1491 j 
] lth May, 1508 
llth April, 1550 
21st May, 1577 

21st June, 1617 
10th Nov. 1620 



20th Dec. 1661 



_1728 
_1740 
_1756 
_1787 



_1827 



Dms Thos. de Surton, Pbr. . 

Dms Joh. David, Pbr 

Dms Aclam de Clay las 

Dms Thos. de Grenley, Cap. 
Dms Will, de Herpswell, Pbr 
Dms Thos. Cook de Magna 

Cressiugham 

Dms Will, de Patrington 

Dms Robt. Sparrow, Cap 

Dms Robt. Baxter de Rafyn, 

Cap 

Dms Henry de Dighton, Pbr. 

Dms Rog. Burn, Pbr 

Dms Robt. Donyngton 

Dms Thos. West, Pbr , 

Dms Robt. Cowper 

Dms John Witton, Pbr 

Dms Rich. Godson, Cap 

Dms Robt. Yong, Pbr 

Dms Thos. Gedling , 

Dms Henry Crowder, Pbr. ... 

Dms JohnThakbarrow 

Dms Robt. Armisted, CI 

Nic. Watlyng, CI 



Will. Howe, Pbr. B. A 

Nath. Hunte, Pbr. M. A 

Richard Eyre, CI 

Richard Browneft 

Rev. Benjamin Burrow 

Rev. Thomas Moore 

Rev. William Justice 

Rev. Edmund Mower 

Rev. Charles Cartwright 

Rev. Joshua Flint 



Rev. Joshua William Brooks. 



PATRON 

Sacrista Capella 
St. Mary's. 
ij dem 
ij dem 
ij dem 
ijdem 
ijdem 

ijdem 

ij dem 
ijdem 

ij dem 

ijdem 

ij dem 

ijdem 

ij dem 

ijdem 

ij dem 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ijdem 
Edward the 6th 

Queen Eliz. 
Will. Dms Ca- 
vendish 
Will. com. De. 
vonshire 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ijdem 

ij dem 

ij dem 

ij dem 

ijdem 

ijdem 
Richard Wood- 
house, Esq. 



Mort 
Resig 



Resig 

Mort 

Mort 
Mort 



Mort 

Resig 
Resig 
Resig 
Mort 

Mort 
Resig 



Cession 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 

Mort 



The living is a discharged vicarage, and the church 
is dedicated to St. John the haptist. It was valued at 
£8 when the sacrist of St. Mary's was patron ; it is 
valued at £9. 15s. Ad. in the king's books. Patron, 
Richard Woodhouse, Esq. Incumbent, the Rev. J.W. 
Brooks. 



%\jt Camlet of JSol&am, 239 



THE HAMLET OP BOLHAM. 

Before the conquest, Tuvert held part of the land 
here, and paid for the same to the Dane-geld for seven 
bovats, afterwards it hecame of the fee of Roger de 
Busli. In Doomsday-hook it is stated to he of the 
heme of the soke of Laneham, belonging to the Arch- 
bishop of York. Subsequently Gaufrey, the man (or 
tenant) of Roger, held at Bolum, one caracute, two 
sokemen, four villains, three borders, having four cara- 
cutes and a half of land. The meadow land was eight 
quarents long, and two broad ; the pasture and wood 
land one league long, and three quarents broad ; which 
altogether, in the Confessor's time, was valued at 40$. 
in the Conqueror's at 50s. 

It appears, almost from time immemorial, that Bol- 
ham has had a mill within its precincts, which once 
belonged to the ancient and worthy family of the Love- 
tots, of Worksop, and was by Emma, the wife of Wil- 
liam de Lovetot, given to the monastery of St. Cuthbert, 
near Worksop, to buy wine for the use of the mass ; 
as was also the assart* of Assaley, to make wafers for 
the celebration of the same sacrament. Matilda de 
Lovetot, the last of the family of the Lovetots, who 



* An assart was a piece of ground assarted; that is, grubbed 
or cleared ; from sarrio, to weed: according to Nichols, " Essarts 
was a forest phrase for a cultivated spot, from the French 
assartir, to make plain." 



240 CUvUvon$b. 



married Gerard de Furnival, confirmed this gift, and 
also another of all Bolum, with the land and mil), which 
Richard de Lovetot, her grandfather, had previously 
gi T 'en. 

After the dissolution of the monasteries, Henry the 
eighth, by letters patent, dated October 28th, 1545, 
granted this manor to Sir Robert Swyft, Kt. and his 
brother William, and their heirs, together with two 
mills there, (one of which was designated as a Walk 
Mill,) and two gardens called the Chappel and Old 
Yard, which continued in their family until 1565, when 
it was conveyed to Francis Wortley, Esq.; it is now the 
property of the Thorold family. 

That a chapel once existed here, will not admit of 
a doubt, as the situation on which it stood is still de- 
signated" The Chapel Yard," and mention is made of 
it in Archbishop Greenfield's Register ; but at what 
period it was founded there are no records to show. 
One of the said Archbishops gave the church at Bolum, 
with the appurtenances, then belonging to a prebend 
at York, and valued at ten marks, to William de 
Lanum, in the absence of the prebendary. 

Bolham is situated on the river Idle, one mile north 
of Retford, and consists of ten or twelve habitations, 
all, with one exception, formed by excavations in the 
sand rock ; the situation is agreeably romantic. The 
light tendrils of the ivy creeping along the rocks, with 
here and there a wild flower rearing its unassuming 



Cfte Camlet oi WLtlUm. 241 



head, gives an air of pensive serenity to the place which 
cannot fail to affect the mind of the spectator, — whilst 
a column of curling smoke rising here and there from 
the grass-clad roofs of nature's humble cots, recalls to 
memory " the days of other years/' when our rude 
forefathers were wanderers on the earth, with no 
habitations, but dens and caves, — no food, but what the 
land spontaneously gave, — no covering, save the skins 
of beasts, — -no drapery, save the sky. 

THE HAMLET OF WELHAM. 

In Doomsday record u Wellome" is saicT to belong 
to the king's soke of Mansfield, and paid, along with 
Suventon (not known) the tax for five bovats and 
a third ; the meadow land was certified to be one qua- 
rent and a half long, and one quarent and ten perches 
broad ; the pasture wood nineteen quarents long, and 
two and a half broad, which was altogether valued at 
10*. 8d. Here also was some land belonging to the 
Archbishop of York's fee, valued at the same as the 
above. 

About the middle of the twelfth century, there was 
certain lands here belonging to the Lovetots, of Work- 
sop, which was by Matilda, the last survivor of that 
family, given to the canons of Radforde, (near Work- 
sop,) for the safety of her soul, and the souls of all 
her sons. This property it appears was considerable, 
comprehending the greatest part of the hamlet, as 
I find in the year 1517, it was rented at £5. 5s. 8d. 
2 i 



242 €lav%$vciu%f). 



besides chief rents amounting to £1. 1*. 6d. a year, 
which, at the dissolution, was sold to Richard Richard- 
son, jun. of Glarborough, from whom it descended to 
Gabriel his son, who> on the 1st of January, 1565, sold 
it to three brothers, — Christopher, George, and Bryan 
Twiselton ; part of it in 1634, became the property of 
Edmund Browne, Esq. he died on the 4th of February, 
1-677, when it descended to two daughters. The Duke 
of Devonshire formerly possessed considerable property 
here, which was sold in 1813. It is now chiefly owned 
by the Messrs. Hutchinsons, Mrs. Thorold, Mr* Mower,, 
and Mr. Wheelwright. 

Nearly in the centre of the village, formerly stood 
a chapel, but of which, no records are now remaining 
to shew at what period it was either erected or endow- 
ed, or even when it was dismantled. Within what is 
now termed the chapel yard, the marks of the founda- 
tion are discernible, and the ground altogether about 
an acre. 

Welhanr, or the hamlet of the Well, is supposed to 
have derived its name from a once celebrated spring 
(St. John's Well) near the place, which was formed 
into a large bath, and still remains entire ; during the 
early part of the last century, it was famous for many 
cures, but latterly it has lost much of its celebrity. 
The late John Hutchinson, Esq. erected a cottage ad- 
joining, and enclosed the bath, to preserve it from in- 
jury. Here was,, until lately, a feast, or fair,- held 



jjWoorsate *«*> g>ptttaI*H?tlL 243 

annually on St. John's day, to which the neighbouring 
villagers resorted to enjoy such rural sports or games 
as fancy might dictate. Cold baths like this were 
formerly regarded with superstitious reverence, being 
supposed to possess a sovereign remedy for agues, 
rheumatism, &c. 

This hamlet is pleasantly situate on the Gainsbro' 
road, about a mile from East Retford, and contains 
four or five tolerably well built houses, of which those 
belonging to H. C. Hutchinson, Esq. Mrs. Thorold, 
O. Mower, Esq. and S. Thorold, Esq. are the chief. 
The land in the neighbourhood is of a superior kind, 
and some of it is, and has been, very productive in the 
growth of hops. 

MOORGATE AND SPITTAL HILL 

Are also hamlets within the parish of Clarborough, 
and contain 1920 inhabitants, nevertheless, I find no- 
thing very ancient respecting them, and not even men- 
tioned before the year 1524. They adjoin the borough, 
of East Retford, and to a person unacquainted there- 
with, they would be supposed to be a part of that 
place, from which they are divided by a small stream 
of water. Within the last half century, the number of 
buildings has increased considerably, which may in a 
great measure be attributed to their proximity to East 
Retford. The land (with the exception of the common 
which was enclosed in 1799) is chiefly grass, the rest 
2 i 2 



244 (OarfiornuglK 



is laid out into garden ground, which is very profitable 
to the occupiers. 

Moorgate is wide and spacious, and contains several 
well-built houses ; a portion of which, and the greatest 
part of Spittal Hill, stands on a sand rock similar to 
that at Bolham. 

In consequence of these hamlets having become so 
thickly populated, and the mother church at Clarbo- 
rough being at such a great distance, it has been 
thought necessary to erect a chapel of ease, for the 
accommodation of those inhabitants who are members 
of the established church. The ground was given by 
H. C. Hutchinson, Esq. together with a handsome 
donation of £500, which, with several other contribu- 
tions amounting to upwards of £3000, the building is 
now being erected, in the style of Gothic prevalent in 
the reign of Henry the eighth, and is likely to be 
a structure creditable to the establishment. 

THE HAMLET OF LITTLE GREENLEY. 

I find that the proper name of this place is not 
" Gringley " as generally pronounced, but " Greenley/> 
When Doomsday-book was compiled, it was chiefly be- 
longing to the soke of Dunham, and paid the tax for 
two bovats and a sixth of land. The Archbishop of 
York also held some land here, which paid the tax for 
one bovat and a quarter. 

It appears that the ancient family of the Norrays 
possessed the greatest portion of this hamlet, about 



ftgnrtet of %itt\t <&vttnh$. 245 

the year 1300. On the demise of Henry Norrays, it 
became the property of Alen de Boleshoure, who, some 
time afterwards, conveyed it to his nephew, Henry 
Norrays, along with other lands in Stretton (Sturton,) 
Wyston, Fcnton, and Leirton (Leverton,) the said 
Henry agreeing to pay to the said Allen and his heirs, 
yearly, a pair of gilt spurs at Whitsuntide for ever. 
Shortly after this, the estate descended to William de* 
Anne, a distant relative of the Norrays, who held it 
along with the cars and commons of East Retford, the 
last of which, in 1320, he conveyed to "all the men of 
Rettforthe/' and the former, at his decease, was sold 
to John Clarke, by John de Hercy, who had succeeded 
to the estate; from him it descended to his son Bryan, 
and in 1566, it was claimed by Lionel Sherbrooke, 
along with lands in Grove, East Retford, and Welham, 
amounting to 100 acres of land, 100 of meadow, 100 
of pasture, 100 of wood, and 100 of furze and heath, 
together with a garden, an orchard, one toft, and 
a messuage. Subsequently to this, it was sold, and 
came into a number of hands, of which a considerable 
part came to the proprietor of Grove, who is lord of 
the manor, and holds it at the present day. 

Greenley formerly possessed a chapel of ease, and 
a burial ground ; but when it was erected, or even when 
demolished, no records are extant. Several human 
bones have been dug up within the last few years, and 
skulls with teeth as perfect as when first interred. 
Some years back a stone coffin was found, but whethe r 



"246 €Uvhovonsh 



the stone which covered it contained any inscription or 
not, cannot be ascertained. This coffin was taken from 
its bed and put into a fold yard, and after being tho- 
roughly washed out, was intended to be used as a drink- 
ing trough for cattle; but, strange as it may appear ! 
no cattle would touch the water which it contained, 
although drawn from a well close by ; the water of 
which they drank from other troughs without hesita- 
tion. This account I received from several who were 
eye witnesses of the fact. In consequence of this, the 
coffin was again deposited in the earth, but the head 
end may be seen protruding from the side of the chapel 
hill, at the present time. 

The hamlet is situated in a valley on the declivity of 
a hill, in a romantic and pleasing situation, and the 
views to the west and north-west are extensive and 
picturesque. The houses in general are of an humble 
description, straggling here and there in different di- 
rections, having been built as necessity required, or 
where the situation was thought to be most convenient 
-and agreeable. 



THE END. 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Aldermen, names of the, in 1607, ...... 78 

in 1828, 90 

Alms Houses ...... ...... . 137 

Amcotts, Sir Wharton, monument of 115 

Ancient stone, inscription on an ...... 98 

Annesley, chantry of ... ....<,. ... 130 

Babworth, general description of ...... 199 

the Hall at... 201 

the Hectory at ... ib. 

Parish Church at, 202 

Catalogue of the Rectors of 8 205 

Bailiff, antiquity of the office of ... 7& 

Bailiffs, list of, from 1760 78 

names of the, in 1607 ...... ib. 

1828 90 

Bank, the 149 

Barnaby, drunken, rhyme of .r.... 15& 

Bassetlaw, hundred of ... ...... ...... ... 1 

ancient names of ... ...... ...... 2 

its extent ... 3 

its latitude, population, &c... ...... ib. 

— property in the hundred of 4 

Bells, inscriptions on the ... 108 

Benefactional Tablets 119 

Benevolent Societies ...... 13& 

Bleesby, Corporation estate at ... *...,, ... 131 



Bolham, the hamlet of ... 239 

Bowles, Mr. his defeat , 57 

Bridge, the 150 

Broad Stone, the ... ib. 

Brumby, Mr. Alderman, monument of 117 

Bullivant, Mr. Richard, monument of... 125 

Burgh, William de, grant of ...... 18 

Cantarists, first, catalogue of 97 

Cantarists, secondary* catalogue of 98 

Cars and Commons, the ...... 165 

Chantry Communities ... . b 96 

Chapel, the Methodist 123 

Independent Dissenters ... 124 

Chaplains, confirmation of the appointment of 19 

Chesterfield Canal, the 158 

Choir, the bishop's, whence its name 106 

Church, the parish, its original endowment 93 

— its downfall, in 1651 99 

its dimensions 103 

its galleries » 105 

Clarborough, extracts from Doomsday-book 232 

general description of ... ib. 

the church at ... 235 

catalogue of the vicars of. 238 

Clater, Mr. Francis, monument of 124 

Clifton, Sir Gervas, gift of 91 

Clifton, Mr. John, account of 176 

Cockshutt, Mary, monument of ... 114 

Corporate, present body, of Retford ... 89 

Corporations, first establishment of 25 

Denman, Johannes, tombstone of ...... Ill 

Denmans, family of the 196 

Dorcas Charity, the ...... 138 

Edward I. grant of f 28 

III. grant of 29 



Edward VI. Free Grammar School of 126 

Election, contested, in 1700 53 

1702 ib. 

— 1705 ...... ...... 54 

— 1710 56 

1796 ib. 

— 1802 57 

1806 58 

- ^—1826 60 

Fairs, the, when held ...... 143 

Font, the .«. 118 

Gaskin, Mr. Thomas, account of 173 

Ginever, Mr. Alderman, monument of 116 

Greenley, Little, hamlet of 244 

Grove, extracts from Doomsday-book respecting 217 

. general description of ...... ib. 

Castle Hill Wood, in the parish of ... 220 

the church at 223 

catalogue of the Rectors of 226 

Gunthorpe, Thomas, agreement of 20 

Helwys, Johannes, tombstone of Ill 

Henry III. grant of .... 27 

— i . VI. confirmation of charters by 30 

VIII. grant of the manor by 20 

grant of lands by ib. 

Hercy, Sir John, grant of , 22 

Holmes, John, Esq. summer reading room of 169 

monument of the children of ... 116 

Hospital, Sleswick's, account of •••... 135 

Hudson, Mr. John, room and curiosities of ... 170 
Hundreds, number of, in the county ... ...... 2 

Idle, the river, &c . 161 

James I. charter of ...... 31 

2 K 



Kirke, John, Esq. account of 175 

Lane, Jacobi, monument of ... . 112 

Lincoln, Earl of, gift of the ...... .. 91 

Lound, Corporation estate at ...... ...... 131 

Maces, Corporation ... ...... * 90 

Market, when held 142 

Marshall, Mr. Alderman, monument of 117 

Matter sea, priory of, lands belonging to the 21 

Moorgate, the hamlet of 243 

Moreton, the hamlet of 207 

Morton, Corporation estate at ..... 131 

Morton, Rev. R. monument of ... 116 

Nevile, Sir Edward, the gift of ... . 91 

News Room, the 147 

Nonanes Inquisitione, extract from ...... ... 95 

North Road, the 152 

Nottingham, tolls belonging to the burgesses of 29 

Oldfield, Mr. observations of -. 52 

Ordsall. general description of ...... . 208 

the church at ... ...... 212 

catalogue of the rectors of .. ...... 216 

Organists, list of the ... ...... ... 105 

Parker, John, Esq. monument of ...... *».... 115 

Parliament, British, origin of the 50 

Post Office, the ... 148 

Prat, Walter, mansion of ****** 16 

Radford, priory of, rent of assize belonging to the 21 

Ranby, the hamlet of .., 206 

Rancliffe, Richard de, gift of, to the prior and 

convent of Worksop , ... 17 

Representation, state of the ****** ....... 50 



Representatives, list of, in Parliament 70 

Retford, derivation of the name of 5 

general description of 6 

situation and extent of ...••• ... 7 

roads to ... ... 7 

soils in the neighbourhood of 9 

trade of 10 

r climate of *« ib. 

extracts from Doomsday-book respecting 15 

a borough by prescription ... 26 

first representation of, in Parliament ... 51 

Deanry of 155 

names of places in the ... ib. 

names of incumbents in the ib. 



population of 1821 , ib. 

Retford, West, general description of 178 

plague at ... 181 

parish church of 183 

i catalogue of the rectors of ...... 186 

Holy Trinity Hospital at 187 

Free School at 192 

Baptists' Meeting House at ... 194 

Richard II, grant of ...... 17 

Rose, William, monument of ...... 112 

Rowley, Johannes, monument of .<.... 110 

Savings' Bank, the r.. 168 

Schether, John, gift of ...... 19 

School, the National 133 

Smith, Johannes, tombstone of ...... Ill 

Spittal Hill, the hamlet of 243 

Square, the, and Market Place 140 

Steward, Lord High 89 

Learned, (or Recorder) ...... ib* 

Sutton, Robert, Esq. monument of 114 

Terrier, the, oldest belonging to the parish , ttrtt 101 



3httf*y. 






Tl. .re, the . 




146 


Thrum p ton, the hamlet of ... 




2LI 


Town Hall, the 




143 


Tuxf^rd, chantry of 




127 


Underwoode, William, grant of .... 


... 


20 


Vicars, of East Retford, catalogue of the 




122 


Vykers, John Atte, messuage and toft of ... 


... 


16 


- . . grant of, to the bailiffs 




ib. 


Walker, William, grant of 




19 


Welch, Mr. Alderman, monument of ... 




117 






241 
242 


• ▼ r eiiidm, rue iiamiet or ••• «••••• ••.... 

St. John's Well at 




Wesley, Rev. J. extract from the Journal of the 


123 


White, Francis, monument of the wife of 


■*.... 


117 


Whitehouses, hamlet of ...... 9 


... 


212 


Workhouse, the ... 




149 


Wright, Dr. memoir of ....<, 


... 


172 




page 




39ir**tfond to tit 28urtrm 




A ne Parish Church, to face the title 




TheFont 


118 




The Methodist Chapel 


123 




The Town Hall .. 


143 




The Broad Stone & the Corporation Seal 


150 




The Ancient Pistol-sword, &c 


170 




The Oak Sofa ...' 


171 




The Iron Chest ... 


172 




West Retford Church 


183 





Hodson, Printer, Retford. 



